BridgeBio Pharma secures $299m in funding to accelerate genetic disease drug development

BridgeBio Pharma, a leading clinical-stage biopharma company specialising in treatments for genetic diseases, has raised $299.2 million in a new funding round. The California-based firm plans to use the funds to support its drug development programmes and enhance its research and development (R&D) efforts, specifically focusing on expanding treatments for patients with unmet needs.

KKR and Viking Global Investors led the round, with additional backing from Perspective Advisors, AIG, Aisling Capital, Cormorant Capital, and Hercules Capital. The financing also saw the entry of Sequoia Capital and a blue-chip long-term investor, further boosting the company’s prospects.

Dr. Neil Kumar, Founder and CEO of BridgeBio Pharma, expressed gratitude for the support, stating that the company is “privileged to be working with investors who believe in our goal of creating medicines for patients with genetic diseases.” He emphasised the critical nature of the company’s mission, noting that many of these patients currently lack effective treatment options. Dr. Kumar highlighted the company’s long-term vision, acknowledging the significant challenges of translating early-stage science into life-changing drugs. The support from investors will help BridgeBio Pharma remain committed to this ambitious journey.

BridgeBio Pharma was founded in 2015 with the aim of developing genetically-targeted therapeutics that address the root causes of genetic diseases. The company’s research is based on cutting-edge scientific discoveries from universities, academic medical centres, and research groups, positioning it at the forefront of innovation in genetic medicine.

BridgeBio’s diverse portfolio consists of over 15 assets, including pre-clinical products and four programs that are either in or nearing pivotal trials. The company focuses on a wide array of therapeutic areas, such as genetic dermatology, oncology, endocrinology, cardiology, neurology, renal diseases, and ophthalmology.

Some of the specific diseases targeted by BridgeBio’s treatments include Transthyretin amyloidosis (both ATTR-CM and ATTR-PN), pantothenate kinase-associated neurodegeneration (PKAN), Gorlin syndrome, dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa (DEB), Netherton syndrome, venous malformations, Canavan disease, achondroplasia, and various forms of genetic cancer driven by mutations in FGFR, SHP-2, and K-RAS. These diseases often lack effective treatments, making BridgeBio’s research vital to improving patient outcomes.

Expert Opinion: The Future of Genetic Disease Treatment

BridgeBio Pharma’s recent fundraising success underlines the growing confidence in genetic-based therapies as a major frontier in biopharmaceutical innovation. With investors clearly backing the company’s long-term goals, BridgeBio is poised to accelerate its efforts to tackle some of the most challenging diseases that have long eluded effective treatment. The company’s expanding portfolio and focus on pivotal trials signal a future where genetic diseases may no longer be incurable.