Lunac Therapeutics is developing first-in-class oral and intravenous anticoagulants that specifically inhibit activated Factor XII (FXIIa) to prevent life-threatening thrombotic events without the associated bleeding risks of current therapies. This targeted approach addresses the challenge of balancing effective anticoagulation with the risk of major bleeding, enhancing patient safety in anticoagulant treatment.
Funding
$15.9M raised to dateRaised to date based on public sources. This may differ from the amount the company actually raised and is based only on what is publicly available on the internet.
Founders
Product
Problem
Current anticoagulant therapies carry a significant risk of bleeding due to their targeting of coagulation factors essential for normal hemostasis. This delicate balance between preventing thrombosis and avoiding bleeding complications limits the use of these life-saving drugs, leaving many patients undertreated or at risk.
Solution
Lunac Therapeutics is developing a new class of anticoagulants that selectively inhibit activated Factor XII (FXIIa), a clotting factor involved in pathological thrombosis but not in normal bleeding. By targeting FXIIa, Lunac's oral and intravenous drugs aim to prevent life-threatening blood clots without increasing the risk of hemorrhage. This approach has the potential to expand the use of anticoagulant therapy and improve patient safety by providing a more targeted and effective way to prevent thrombosis while preserving normal hemostatic function. The company's small molecule drugs also target the Contact Activation system, which may play a role in lung disease and the body’s response to infection.
Target Audience
The primary target audience includes patients at risk of thrombotic events, such as those with atrial fibrillation, deep vein thrombosis, or pulmonary embolism, as well as clinicians seeking safer and more effective anticoagulant options.
Features
- First-in-class oral and intravenous anticoagulants with a novel mechanism of action
- Selective inhibition of Factor XIIa to prevent thrombosis without bleeding
- Small molecule design for oral bioavailability and targeted delivery
- Potential application in a range of thrombotic disorders
- Activity against the Contact Activation system, potentially addressing inflammatory conditions