Star Therapeutics Raises $125M Series D to Advance Phase 3 Bleeding Disorder Treatment

Star Therapeutics has raised $125 million in a Series D funding round co-led by Viking Global Investors and Sanofi Ventures, with participation from both new and existing investors. The capital will advance the development of its monoclonal antibody therapy, VGA039, which targets Protein S to treat bleeding disorders, notably von Willebrand disease (VWD), the most common inherited bleeding disorder affecting over 50,000 patients in the U.S. VGA039 offers a potentially transformative, self-administered once-monthly subcutaneous injection, reducing the treatment burden compared to traditional factor replacement therapies that require frequent IV infusions. The therapy has received FDA orphan drug and fast track designations, and Star has initiated a pivotal Phase III clinical trial for all types of VWD. The funding round also includes the addition of Sanofi Ventures’ Jason Hafler to Star’s board, underscoring investor confidence in the company’s mission to develop innovative treatments for rare bleeding disorders. CEO Adam Rosenthal emphasized the potential of VGA039 to significantly improve patient quality of life by simplifying treatment regimens.