At a Glance
- Company: Korsana Biosciences
- Location: US-based (details undisclosed)
- Deal value: $175M total ($25M seed + $150M Series A)
- Focus area: Shuttled anti-amyloid beta antibody KRSA-028 for Alzheimer’s
- Next steps: Phase 1 safety/PK data mid-2027; POC plaque clearance end-2027
What happened?
Korsana Biosciences emerged from stealth on 18 February 2026 with $175 million in funding to develop best-in-class neurodegenerative therapies, starting with Alzheimer’s disease. The financing comprises a $25 million seed round from 2024 and a $150 million Series A in September 2025, co-led by Wellington Management and TCGX. Lead asset KRSA-028 is a next-generation antibody designed for superior brain penetration and amyloid plaque clearance.
Why does it matter?
Alzheimer’s affects millions with limited treatments; anti-amyloid antibodies like lecanemab show promise but face blood-brain barrier challenges limiting efficacy. Korsana’s brain shuttle technology aims to improve CNS exposure, potentially enhancing plaque reduction and patient outcomes in a market projected to exceed $10 billion annually. Funds support advancement through key clinical proof-of-concept.
Who’s behind it?
Korsana, founded in 2024, focuses on engineered biologics for neurodegeneration. Investors include Wellington Management, TCGX, J.P. Morgan Life Sciences Private Capital, Janus Henderson Investors, Sanofi Ventures, Foresite Capital, Fairmount Funds, and Venrock. CEO comments highlight commitment to innovative pipeline delivery.
How was it achieved?
KRSA-028 uses proprietary brain shuttle tech to transport anti-amyloid beta antibodies across the blood-brain barrier, optimising pharmacokinetics, penetration, and safety. Preclinical data support differentiation from existing therapies; funding funds phase 1 in healthy volunteers and early Alzheimer’s proof-of-concept.
What’s next?
Financing runs through 2028, covering phase 1 data on PK/CNS penetration/safety mid-2027 and amyloid clearance POC by end-2027. Pipeline expansion into other neurodegenerative indications planned.
What are people saying?
“Together, we are committed to delivering better medicines to patients suffering from neurodegenerative diseases,” per Korsana leadership. Wellington’s Nilesh Kumar: “Excited… to support Korsana’s launch.”