Courage Therapeutics, a biopharmaceutical company focused on developing novel therapies for genetic and dietary obesity as well as diseases of wasting, announced the completion of its seed financing round led by Arsenal Bridge Ventures, with participation from existing investors. The funding brings the company’s total capital raised to over $11 million.
The investment will enable Courage Therapeutics to accelerate the development of its central melanocortin (MC) system-based drug programs. The company’s pipeline is designed to modulate neural circuits in the brain that regulate hunger and energy balance, aiming to provide new solutions for patients who currently lack effective treatment options.
Courage Therapeutics was founded by Dr. Roger Cone, a globally recognized expert in melanocortin biology. Dr. Cone, whose groundbreaking work at the University of Michigan has spanned over three decades, first isolated the melanocortin receptor genes and demonstrated their critical role in regulating body weight. His research continues to advance understanding of how the MC system can be leveraged for therapeutic use.
The company’s scientific strategy also explores the synergistic potential of combining MC4R drugs with GLP-1 receptor agonists to improve weight management outcomes. By acting on distinct neural pathways, the approach could yield a more comprehensive treatment model for patients with dietary obesity.
How the funding will be used: The funding will be used to advance multiple product candidates toward clinical evaluation, expand the research team, and form new collaborations.
KEY QUOTES:
“The vast majority of patients with genetic and syndromic obesity are not receiving adequate treatment. There is an urgent need for transformative medications that can significantly reduce severe obesity and manage the overwhelming, pathological hunger these patients face. This round underscores our investors’ confidence in our vision and potential. We are committed to judiciously utilizing these funds to advance our research, forge new partnerships, and strengthen our team, to expedite advancement of multiple product candidates into the clinic.”
Giovanni Ferrara, CEO, Courage Therapeutics
“By targeting two different pathways—the hypothalamus through a MC receptor and the brainstem via a GLP-1 receptor—we can develop a more effective treatment for those struggling with dietary obesity.”
Dr. Roger Cone, Founder, Courage Therapeutics; Mary Sue Coleman Director of the Life Sciences Institute and Vice Provost for the Biosciences Initiative, University of Michigan
“This investment highlights the significant patient benefits that innovative obesity and metabolism management therapies bring. Together, Arsenal Bridge Ventures and Courage Therapeutics are driving forward medical solutions to enhance health outcomes for obesity patients who are currently underserved and undertreated.”
Isaac Barchas, Managing Director, Arsenal Bridge Ventures
