Revier Therapeutics has launched with €6 million in Seed financing led by KHAN Technology Transfer Fund II, with participation from High-Tech Gründerfonds, VORNvc and private investors through Revier Invest Heidelberg.
The Heidelberg, Germany-based biotechnology company is developing a new therapeutic approach that selectively targets class IIa histone deacetylases, or HDACs, for cardiometabolic diseases.
Revier plans to use the funding to advance its preclinical cardiometabolic pipeline, including a lead program targeting heart failure with preserved ejection fraction, or HFpEF, and a second program focused on atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, or ASCVD.
The capital will also support the buildout of Revier’s operational, scientific and clinical functions.
The company’s technology builds on research led by scientific founder Prof. Johannes Backs, M.D., at Heidelberg University, which identified the role of class IIa HDACs in cardiometabolic disease.
Revier’s orally available small molecules are designed to selectively inhibit disease-driving class IIa HDAC enzymatic activity while preserving other biological functions, an approach intended to overcome dose-limiting side effects associated with earlier HDAC inhibitors.
Revier’s leadership team includes Prof. Eva van Rooij, Ph.D., as CEO; Mike Nolan, Ph.D., as Chief Technology Officer; Matthias Dewenter, M.D., as Chief Scientific Officer; and Prof. Norbert Frey, M.D., as Chief Medical Officer.
KEY QUOTES:
“Despite significant progress in cardiovascular medicine, millions of patients with HFpEF and ASCVD still to date face limited targeted treatment options. We believe the next generation of cardiometabolic medicines needs to address the underlying disease-driving biology to deliver impactful and long-term solutions for patients. Our mission is to translate the scientific potential of class IIa HDAC inhibition into a pipeline of novel therapies and rapidly advance our lead programs toward the clinic to create long-term value for both patients and the broader healthcare ecosystem.”
Prof. Eva van Rooij, Ph.D., Co-Founder and CEO of Revier Therapeutics
“While first generation HDAC inhibitors broadly targeted multiple HDAC classes resulting in dose-limiting side effects, Revier’s first-in-class small molecules selectively target class IIa HDACs. These compounds specifically inhibit the disease-driving enzymatic activity while preserving the essential functions of class IIa HDACs and canonical class I HDACs. This precise mode of action is designed to be therapeutically effective while maintaining a beneficial safety profile.”
Prof. Johannes Backs, M.D., Scientific Founder of Revier Therapeutics
“Revier’s differentiated class IIa HDAC strategy in cardiometabolic disease has the potential to unlock the therapeutic promise of HDAC biology while overcoming limitations associated with earlier class I HDAC approaches. Combined with an exceptional leadership team and deep scientific expertise, the company has a unique opportunity to deliver disease-modifying medicines and reshape the standard of care by providing durable benefit for patients with HFpEF, ASCVD and related cardiometabolic disorders.”
Michael Hamacher, Ph.D., Managing Partner and CFO at KHAN Technology Transfer Fund II
