Mosanna Therapeutics Announces Significant Funding for Sleep Apnea Treatment
Series A funding to advance MOS118 through Phase 2 clinical trials
Biotech veteran David Weber appointed CEO to drive clinical development
Over 1 billion people worldwide are affected by obstructive sleep apnea, many of whom remain undiagnosed.
Mosanna Therapeutics, a pioneering biotech company dedicated to revolutionizing the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), has successfully secured $80 million in Series A funding. This significant financial backing marks a crucial step toward the development of MOS118, an innovative nighttime nasal spray designed to revive the body’s natural airway control during sleep.
The funding round was led by esteemed investors, including Pivotal bioVenture Partners and EQT Life Sciences, alongside contributions from Forbion, Broadview Ventures, and Norwest. Original investors, such as Forty51 Ventures, Supermoon Capital, and High-Tech Gründerfonds (HTGF), also participated in this promising fundraising effort.
The Prevalence and Impact of Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Obstructive sleep apnea is recognized as the most common sleep-related breathing disorder, impacting nearly 1 billion individuals globally. Failure to treat OSA poses serious health risks, including high blood pressure, heart disease, strokes, depression, and excessive daytime drowsiness, which can lead to accidents at work or on the road. Traditional treatment options predominantly focus on mechanical approaches, often uncomfortable and not user-friendly.
Introducing MOS118: A New Hope for OSA Patients
Mosanna is stepping forward with a groundbreaking pharmaceutical solution for individuals suffering from sleep apnea by developing MOS118, a nasal spray administered right before bedtime. This unique formulation works by aiming to restore the body's natural airway reflexes. Studies indicate that OSA patients experience reduced activity of these reflexes during sleep, leading to airway collapses and apnea episodes.
The newly acquired funding will enable Mosanna to push MOS118 through Phase 2 clinical trials while also expanding its pipeline of future therapies.
Leadership Transition at Mosanna
In an exciting development, Mosanna has named Dr. David Weber, an accomplished leader in the biotech field, as the new President and Chief Executive Officer. Dr. Weber brings over 30 years of diverse experience, including drug development and corporate strategy, significantly enriching Mosanna’s leadership. He also joins the company’s Board of Directors.
Dr. Daniela Begolo, Managing Director at EQT Life Sciences, highlighted the innovative approach Mosanna is taking regarding sleep apnea. "What differentiates Mosanna is its unique perspective on treating OSA, focusing on the neurological and muscular aspects rather than merely addressing the mechanical challenges,” she stated. “MOS118 stands out as a pioneering therapy aimed to restore the body’s natural airway functions through the simplicity of a nasal spray."
Both Dr. Begolo and Dr. Jeni Lee from Pivotal bioVenture Partners expressed their confidence in Dr. Weber's ability to lead Mosanna toward achieving its goal of offering a transformative solution for sleep apnea patients. Dr. Weber emphasized the importance of this funding for speeding up the development of a non-invasive alternative to conventional mechanical treatments.
The Board of Directors Expansion
The recent funding has facilitated the expansion of Mosanna’s Board of Directors. Drs. Daniela Begolo and Jeni Lee have joined existing board members, including Dmitrij Hristodorov, Ph.D., and Hewmun Lau, M.B.A. They now collaborate with Sascha Oliver Bucher and Ben Machielse, bolstering the strong leadership team guiding Mosanna forward.
About Mosanna Therapeutics
Mosanna Therapeutics is a clinical-stage biotech firm focused on creating a revolutionary pharmaceutical method for managing obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Its lead treatment, MOS118, is designed to restore the body's natural airway control during sleep, presenting a compelling alternative to traditional mechanical therapies. Since its foundation in 2022, the company has attracted over $80 million in investments from notable partners. Mosanna has operations in California and Switzerland, and further details can be found on their official website.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Mosanna Therapeutics?
Mosanna Therapeutics is a clinical-stage biotech company dedicated to developing novel treatments for obstructive sleep apnea, specifically through its lead product, MOS118.
How much funding has Mosanna Therapeutics secured?
The company has successfully raised $80 million in Series A funding to advance its innovative nasal spray treatment for sleep apnea.
What is MOS118?
MOS118 is a nighttime nasal spray designed to restore natural airway reflexes, providing a pharmaceutical option for obstructive sleep apnea patients.
Who is the CEO of Mosanna Therapeutics?
Dr. David Weber has been appointed as the CEO and President of Mosanna Therapeutics, bringing extensive experience in the biotech sector.
Where are Mosanna Therapeutics' offices located?
The company operates out of Redwood City, California, and Basel, Switzerland, focusing on innovative sleep apnea treatments.
