Revier Therapeutics has officially launched after closing a €6m seed round to support development of its preclinical cardiometabolic pipeline.
The Heidelberg-based biotech is developing disease-modifying therapies for cardiometabolic diseases, initially focusing on heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD).
Revier is developing small-molecule treatments that selectively target class IIa histone deacetylases, or HDACs, enzymes that the company says play a functional role in a variety of severe diseases.
The company says its orally available molecules are designed to inhibit pathogenic enzymatic activity while preserving healthy biological function and avoiding canonical HDAC inhibition.
Eva van Rooij, co-founder and chief executive of Revier Therapeutics, said: “Despite significant progress in cardiovascular medicine, millions of patients with HFpEF (heart failure with preserved ejection fraction) and ASCVD (atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease) still to date face limited targeted treatment options. We believe the next generation of cardiometabolic medicines needs to address the underlying disease-driving biology to deliver impactful and long-term solutions for patients.
“Our mission is to translate the scientific potential of class IIa HDAC inhibition into a pipeline of novel therapies and rapidly advance our lead programmes toward the clinic to create long-term value for both patients and the broader healthcare ecosystem.”
Scientific founder Johannes Backs said earlier generations of HDAC inhibitors targeted several HDAC classes, resulting in dose-limiting side effects.
He said: “While first generation HDAC inhibitors broadly targeted multiple HDAC classes resulting in dose-limiting side effects, Revier’s first-in-class small molecules selectively target class IIa HDACs. These compounds specifically inhibit the disease-driving enzymatic activity while preserving the essential functions of class IIa HDACs and canonical class I HDACs. This precise mode of action is designed to be therapeutically effective while maintaining a beneficial safety profile.”
The seed round was led by KHAN Technology Transfer Fund II, with participation from High-Tech Gründerfonds, VORNvc and private investors through Revier Invest Heidelberg.
The financing also included support from regional stakeholders and investors led by business developer Daniel Stern, founder of Revier Invest Heidelberg.
Michael Hamacher, managing partner and CFO at KHAN Technology Transfer Fund II, said: “Revier’s differentiated class IIa HDAC strategy in cardiometabolic disease has the potential to unlock the therapeutic promise of HDAC biology while overcoming limitations associated with earlier class I HDAC approaches. Combined with an exceptional leadership team and deep scientific expertise, the company has a unique opportunity to deliver disease-modifying medicines and reshape the standard of care by providing durable benefit for patients with HFpEF, ASCVD and related cardiometabolic disorders.”
Revier plans to use the funding to support development of its preclinical cardiometabolic pipeline, including its lead HFpEF programme and a second programme targeting ASCVD, as well as the build-out of its operational, scientific and clinical functions.
