Verdiva Bio Limited, a London-based clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company, has launched with a €398.4 million ($411M USD) Series A funding round.
The financing, co-led by Forbion and General Atlantic, included participation from investors such as RA Capital Management, OrbiMed, Logos Capital, Lilly Asia Ventures, and LYFE Capital.
A New Approach to Cardiometabolic Disorders
Verdiva Bio focuses on developing innovative therapies for obesity and related cardiometabolic conditions. The company’s lead candidate, VRB-101, is an oral GLP-1 peptide therapy designed for once-weekly dosing. It has shown promising results in a Phase 1 study in Australia.
The company is also advancing a pipeline of amylin molecules and other next-generation therapies aimed at improving efficacy, tolerability, and sustainable weight loss.
CEO Khurem Farooq, formerly of Aiolos Bio and Gyroscope Therapeutics, emphasized the company’s mission:
“People living with obesity deserve better options that provide improved efficacy, tolerability, and innovative combination therapies. Verdiva Bio was created to accelerate the development of these much-needed solutions.”eplicator, emphasizing its potential to create healthy tissues on demand for life-altering treatments.
Advertisement
Experienced Leadership Team
Verdiva Bio has assembled a seasoned leadership team:
- Dr. Jane Hughes, Chief Scientific Officer (former CSO of Aiolos Bio).
- Dr. Tapan Maniar, Chief Business Officer (formerly with Bain Capital Life Sciences).
- Ashley Taylor, Chief Technology Officer (formerly Head of Network Strategy at Roche/Genentech).
Transforming Obesity Treatment
Leveraging advancements in gut-brain biology and drug development, Verdiva Bio aims to provide innovative therapies to improve outcomes for millions living with obesity globally.
Investor Confidence
- Forbion, a Netherlands-based VC managing €5 billion, is known for investing in transformative biotech innovations.
- General Atlantic, with over four decades of growth investment expertise, sees Verdiva as a critical player in addressing global health challenges.
Brett Zbar, Global Head of Life Sciences at General Atlantic, commented:
“With a proven team, promising therapies, and a clear vision, Verdiva Bio is well-positioned to deliver groundbreaking innovations.”
Looking Ahead
With substantial funding and a strong leadership team, Verdiva Bio is set to disrupt the obesity treatment landscape, offering patient-friendly and effective solutions to unmet medical needs.
