R1 Therapeutics has launched with an oversubscribed $77.5 million Series A financing and an exclusive global licence to develop and commercialise AP306 outside Greater China.
The company, based in Redwood City, will use the funding to advance its global development programme for AP306 in partnership with Alebund Pharmaceuticals, including a phase 2b study planned for later this year.
AP306 is a first‑in‑class pan phosphate transporter inhibitor being developed as a monotherapy for hyperphosphatemia in patients with chronic kidney disease on dialysis.
Unlike currently approved phosphate‑lowering therapies that work by inhibiting what the company describes as the ‘passive’ transport of phosphate, AP306 is the only agent that blocks the ‘active’ transport of phosphate.
Krishna Polu, Co‑Founder, President and CEO of R1 Therapeutics, said: “We are excited to be launching R1 Therapeutics in partnership with Alebund and with support from a strong, experienced syndicate including DaVita and U.S. Renal Care, recognized global providers transforming kidney care. This backing, plus a differentiated clinical-stage asset, positions us to address one of the most persistent challenges in managing patients with chronic kidney disease.”
He added: “AP306 represents a fundamentally new approach to treating hyperphosphatemia. By blocking the active transport of phosphate through three different phosphate transporters in the GI tract, initial clinical studies suggest AP306 has the potential to deliver superior efficacy with substantially lower pill burden compared to current phosphate binder therapies.”
Gavin Xia, CEO of Alebund Pharmaceuticals, said: “R1 Therapeutics brings together an exceptional leadership team with deep nephrology expertise and a clear vision for advancing AP306. This asset addresses a significant unmet need in a large, underserved patient population. We are delighted to partner with R1 Therapeutics to develop AP306 globally and improve outcomes for the millions of CKD patients struggling with inadequate phosphate control.”
AP306 has already been evaluated in a phase 2a study in dialysis patients, with results showing significant reductions in serum phosphate levels alongside good safety and tolerability.
