Heidelberg-based Revier Therapeutics launches with €6 million to develop cardiometabolic therapies

Revier Therapeutics, a Heidelberg-based biotech firm developing disease-modifying treatments for cardiometabolic conditions, has officially launched and secured €6 million in seed funding. The round was led by KHAN Technology Transfer Fund II, with backing from High-Tech Gründerfonds (HTGF), VORNvc, and private investors via Revier Invest Heidelberg.

Prof. Eva van Rooij, CEO of Revier Therapeutics, stated that while significant progress has been made in cardiovascular medicine, millions of patients with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) still face limited targeted treatment options. Revier aims to address the underlying biological drivers of these diseases with its next generation of cardiometabolic medicines.

The company has developed the first therapeutic approach to selectively target class IIa histone deacetylases (HDACs) for cardiometabolic diseases using orally available small molecules. These molecules are designed to inhibit the harmful enzymatic activity of HDACs while preserving the essential functions of healthy class IIa HDACs and canonical class I HDACs, resulting in a precise mode of action with a favorable safety profile.

Prof. Johannes Backs, scientific founder of Revier Therapeutics, explained that traditional HDAC inhibitors affected multiple HDAC classes, leading to dose-limiting side effects, while Revier's selective targeting of class IIa HDACs offers a more effective and safe treatment. The €6 million seed financing was supported by a coalition of regional stakeholders and investors, including Daniel Stern, founder of Revier Invest Heidelberg.

Michael Hamacher, Managing Partner and CFO at KHAN Technology Transfer Fund II, highlighted Revier's potential to revolutionize the treatment of HFpEF, ASCVD, and related cardiometabolic disorders through its differentiated class IIa HDAC strategy and exceptional leadership team.