Altesa BioSciences is focused on treating chronic lung diseases by targeting the viral infections that trigger respiratory exacerbations. Its lead oral candidate, vapendavir, is designed to neutralise rhinovirus—the predominant cause of exacerbations in millions of COPD and asthma patients. In a recently completed Challenge Study, vapendavir improved upper and lower airway symptoms, shortened illness duration, lowered inflammatory markers, and preserved small-airway function relative to placebo. The company projects that, if approved, vapendavir could prevent up to 50 % of COPD exacerbations, improving quality of life and reducing healthcare costs. Altesa plans to launch the 900-patient Phase 2b CARDINAL study in the US and UK in Q2 2026 to further evaluate safety and efficacy. Led by former U.S. Assistant Secretary of Health Brett P. Giroir, M.D., and guided by a board chaired by Moncef Slaoui, Ph.D., the team includes seasoned executives with backgrounds at GSK and other major firms. The firm is headquartered in Atlanta and advocates for expanded access to modern respiratory diagnostics and therapeutics in underserved communities.

Total raised

$79M

Funding rounds

2

Latest round

Series B

Latest activity

Feb 2026