Renasant Bio has officially launched with $54.5 million in seed funding to develop next-generation disease-modifying treatments for autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD). ADPKD is the leading genetic cause of end-stage renal failure. The funding round was co-led by founding investor 5AM Ventures, with significant participation from Atlas Venture, OrbiMed, and Qiming Ventures. This capital will advance Renasant’s lead corrector program and fuel discovery efforts for its first-in-class potentiator program.
ADPKD is a progressive genetic condition characterized by kidney cysts, leading to renal failure. It stems from mutations in PKD1 and PKD2 genes, which affect polycystin proteins (PC1 and PC2) vital for kidney cell function. The diverse nature of these mutations necessitates therapies that work broadly across them, a key goal for Renasant. Current treatments do not directly address the underlying protein dysfunction and have limited effectiveness or tolerability.
Renasant’s strategy focuses on restoring normal PC1 and PC2 function. Leveraging its expertise in ADPKD biology, including electrophysiology and polycystin channel physiology, the company has developed proprietary assays for precision-guided therapy development.
The company’s lead program is a preclinical small molecule corrector designed to stabilize and properly fold PC1/2 across various mutations, aiming to restore kidney function. Additionally, Renasant is pursuing a first-in-class potentiator to enhance ion flux through the polycystin channel and support anti-cystogenic signaling. These correctors and potentiators can be used independently or combined for synergistic effects.
An experienced team leads Renasant, bringing deep expertise in ADPKD biology and a strong track record in biopharma, including researchers who have made significant contributions to polycystin biology.
Renasant’s executive team includes:
— Emily Conley, Ph.D., chief executive officer
— Gus Gustafson, Ph.D., chief scientific officer
— B. Barry Touré, Ph.D., senior vice president, drug discovery
— Rachel Gallagher, Ph.D., vice president, biology
— Michelle Ho Huey, Ph.D., vice president, strategy & operations
Renasant’s board of directors includes:
—Natalie Holles, chair of the board
— Kevin Bitterman, Ph.D., partner, Atlas Venture
— Evan Caplan, M.D., principal, OrbiMed
— Emily Conley, Ph.D., chief executive officer
— Anna French, D. Phil, managing partner, Qiming Venture Partners USA
— Charlotte McKee, M.D., chief medical officer, Sionna Therapeutics
— Deborah Palestrant, Ph.D., partner, 5AM Ventures
Renasant has also assembled a scientific advisory board consisting of preeminent leaders in ADPKD genetics, biology, and both preclinical and clinical drug development.
KEY QUOTES:
“ADPKD is a devastating genetic disorder that affects more than 12 million people globally and still lacks truly disease-modifying therapies. Our platform of differentiated correctors and first-in-class potentiator therapies are designed to directly address the underlying cause of ADPKD across its broad mutation spectrum, offering the potential to benefit the vast majority of patients.”
Emily Conley, Ph.D., chief executive officer of Renasant
“Our corrector program is designed to work across a broad range of mutations, and our potentiator represents a novel mechanism of action in ADPKD. These programs hold the potential to reshape the treatment landscape. We are very encouraged by our preclinical data and committed to rapidly advancing these programs for patients in urgent need.”
Gus Gustafson, Ph.D., chief scientific officer
“5AM Ventures founded Renasant around a bold idea: that we could change the trajectory of ADPKD. ADPKD is one of the most complex diseases in renal medicine, but Renasant has assembled the right team, with years of research experience in polycystic disease that has informed the right scientific approach. We’re proud to have supported the company from the start and are energized by its progress and commitment to delivering truly disease-modifying treatments for ADPKD patients.”
Deborah Palestrant, Ph.D., partner at 5AM Ventures
