Windward Bio, a clinical-stage drug development company focused on advanced immunological diseases, has raised $200 million in an oversubscribed Series A funding round. The investment, co-led by OrbiMed, Novo Holdings, and Blue Owl Healthcare Opportunities, also included contributions from SR One, Omega Funds, RTW Investments, Qiming Venture Partners, Quan Capital, and Pivotal bioVenture Partners.
The funding will support Windward Bio’s efforts to advance its lead candidate, WIN378, a long-acting monoclonal antibody targeting the ligand of thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP). Licensed from Kelun-Biotech and Harbour BioMed, WIN378 is designed for dosing every six months, a potential best-in-class approach aimed at reducing treatment burdens for patients. The company plans to initiate Phase 2 trials in severe asthma this year, with initial clinical results anticipated by 2026. Future trials will expand the drug’s applications to include chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), targeting approximately 5 million advanced, uncontrolled patients across the US, Europe, and Japan.
Luca Santarelli, MD, founder, CEO, and Chairman of Windward Bio, emphasized the company’s mission to transform care for those with severe immunological conditions:
“WIN378 represents a significant leap forward in TSLP-targeted therapies, combining validated science with patient-centered innovation. Our focus is on delivering solutions that improve outcomes and reduce treatment burdens for patients facing serious respiratory challenges.”
In addition to advancing WIN378, Windward Bio is building a pipeline of long-acting bispecific antibodies. These innovative therapies aim to leverage validated targets and synergistic biology to achieve best-in-disease efficacy for various immunology indications.
The company, headquartered in Switzerland, is helmed by a team of seasoned biopharmaceutical executives with a track record of over 15 product launches, two Nasdaq IPOs, and multiple strategic exits. This wealth of experience positions Windward Bio to make a significant impact in the field of immunology.
The strategic backing from industry-leading investors further underscores Windward Bio’s potential to revolutionize respiratory care and deliver transformative solutions for millions of patients globally.
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