Star Therapeutics raises $125M to push next-gen bleeding disorder drug to market

Star Therapeutics raised $125M to fund Phase 3 trials of VGA039, a long-acting, injectable treatment for Von Willebrand disease, the most common inherited bleeding disorder.

Why it matters: Existing treatments for Von Willebrand require frequent infusions and don’t serve all patient types. VGA039 could become the first broadly effective, subcutaneous therapy, offering longer protection and better quality of life.

Backstory: Star was founded in 2018 as a multi-program biotech but has since centered on VGA039. Early data impressed investors, prompting this $125M Series D round co-led by Sanofi Ventures and Viking Global. Star has raised $300M+ to date.

Zoom in: Von Willebrand affects ~1% of Americans, a whopping 3.42 million people. The company’s VGA039 targets protein S to boost thrombin generation, aiding clotting, and offering a treatment for all types of Von Willebrand disease.

Big picture: As hemophilia treatments advance, Von Willebrand disease has lagged, but that’s changing. Alongside Star, Roche and Hemab are developing new options. Market potential is rising as recognition of patient needs grows. Star now considers going public or partnering for commercialization.