ANN ARBOR, Mich. — Courage Therapeutics, a biotechnology company developing novel treatments for genetic and dietary obesity as well as diseases of wasting, announced the completion of its seed financing round led by Arsenal Bridge Ventures, a venture capital firm focused on early-stage, high-impact biotech companies. Existing investors also participated, bringing the company’s total funding to more than $11 million.
“The vast majority of patients with genetic and syndromic obesity are not receiving adequate treatment. There is an urgent need for transformative medications that can significantly reduce severe obesity and manage the overwhelming, pathological hunger these patients face,” said Giovanni Ferrara, CEO of Courage Therapeutics. “This round underscores our investors’ confidence in our vision and potential. We are committed to using these funds to advance our research, build partnerships, and expand our team to move multiple product candidates into clinical development.”
Courage Therapeutics’ programs focus on modulating the brain’s central melanocortin (MC) system, which regulates body weight and metabolism, to develop treatments for both obesity and wasting diseases. The company’s founder, Dr. Roger Cone of the University of Michigan, is a leading authority on the MC system, having first isolated melanocortin receptor genes and demonstrated their critical role in energy balance and weight regulation.
Dr. Cone is also exploring the therapeutic potential of combining MC4R drugs with GLP-1 agonists for dietary obesity. “By targeting two different pathways—the hypothalamus through a melanocortin receptor and the brainstem via a GLP-1 receptor—we can develop a more effective treatment for those struggling with dietary obesity,” Cone explained.
“This investment highlights the significant patient benefits that innovative obesity and metabolism management therapies can deliver,” said Isaac Barchas, managing director at Arsenal Bridge Ventures. “Together, Arsenal Bridge Ventures and Courage Therapeutics are driving forward medical solutions to enhance health outcomes for obesity patients who are currently underserved and undertreated.”
