Braveheart Therapeutics Launches with $75M to Challenge Cardiac Amyloidosis Treatments
Braveheart Therapeutics has emerged with $75 million in Series A funding, poised to disrupt the landscape of cardiac hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) treatment. The company’s lead candidate, BHB-1893, offers a perhaps differentiated approach to a condition where current options are limited and carry significant risk. This article delves into Braveheart’s strategy, the science behind BHB-1893, and the competitive forces shaping the future of HCM therapy.
A New Player in a Critical Space
Founded by former Human Immunology Biosciences (HI-bio) CEO, Kevin Murdoch, Braveheart is focused on developing innovative cardiovascular therapies. Murdoch, who previously led HI-Bio through a $1.1 billion acquisition by Biogen, brings a wealth of experience to the venture. He explained that the investment firms backing Braveheart spent a year searching for promising cardiovascular assets, ultimately selecting BHB-1893 as their top pick.
Understanding HCM and the Current Treatment Gap
Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is a condition where the heart muscle thickens, making it harder for the heart to pump blood. It affects an estimated 1 in 200 people. Currently, Bristol Myers Squibb’s (BMS) Camzyos (mavacamten) is the only FDA-approved drug specifically for obstructive HCM.
However, Camzyos carries a black box warning due to the risk of heart failure and has recently faced setbacks in trials for non-obstructive HCM (oHCM). This creates a significant chance for alternative therapies like BHB-1893.
What Sets BHB-1893 Apart?
While specific molecular details remain confidential, Murdoch emphasizes that BHB-1893 exhibits a distinct pharmacological profile compared to Camzyos. Clinical trial results to date support this claim.
Furthermore, Braveheart is concurrently developing BHB-1893 for both obstructive and non-obstructive HCM. This dual focus is strategic, particularly given Camzyos’ recent Phase 3 failure in oHCM. Murdoch believes a different molecular approach could prove successful in this patient population.
The Importance of Safety and REMS
Safety is a paramount concern in HCM treatment. The FDA recently delayed its decision on Cytokinetics’ aficamten, another cardiac myosin inhibitor, requesting more time to review the proposed Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy (REMS).
Cytokinetics believes its commercial success hinges on securing a REMS that is less burdensome for both physicians and patients than the one required for Camzyos. Braveheart shares this perspective, recognizing that a favorable safety profile will be crucial for BHB-1893’s adoption.
Key Investors and Financial Details
Braveheart’s Series A financing was led by a strong syndicate of investors, including:
* Andreessen Horowitz
* Forbion
* OrbiMed
* Enavate Sciences
* Frazier Life Sciences
Notably, Biogen CEO Chris Viehbacher serves as chair of Braveheart’s board of directors. The company paid Hengrui Pharmaceuticals $75 million upfront for the license to BHB-1893, with potential for up to $1 billion in additional milestone payments.
The Competitive Landscape
Braveheart isn’t alone in pursuing oHCM therapies. Other companies actively developing drugs in this space include:
* haya Therapeutics
* Imbria Pharmaceuticals
An FDA decision on aficamten is anticipated by December 26th,potentially paving the way for a new treatment option.
looking Ahead: A Promising Future for HCM Patients
Braveheart’s launch represents a significant step forward in the quest for more effective and safer HCM treatments. You can expect to see continued clinical advancement of BHB-1893, with a focus on demonstrating its differentiated profile and addressing the unmet needs of patients with both obstructive and non-obstructive forms of the disease.
The company’s experienced leadership, robust funding, and strategic focus position it as a key player in the evolving HCM treatment landscape. Ultimately, this competition will benefit patients by driving innovation and expanding treatment options.
Disclaimer: *I am an AI chatbot and cannot provide medical advice. This
