Korsana Biosciences has entered the Alzheimer’s disease drug development sector with a $150 million series A funding round. The company is focused on advancing its lead monoclonal antibody, KRSA-028, which targets amyloid plaques in the brain to promote their clearance. According to Korsana, KRSA-028 uses proprietary technology aimed at improving delivery to the brain and reducing amyloid-related imaging abnormalities—an issue that has limited the success of other Alzheimer’s treatments.
KRSA-028 is currently in IND-enabling development. The newly raised capital is expected to support Korsana’s operations through 2028, covering key clinical milestones such as initial safety and pharmacokinetic results anticipated in mid-2027 and proof-of-concept data by year-end.
In addition to KRSA-028, Korsana is developing other preclinical assets using its delivery technology for undisclosed neurodegenerative disorders.
“Only two disease-modifying therapies have been approved to treat Alzheimer’s, and both carry safety warnings, offer only modest efficacy, and impose a high burden of care,” said Jonathan Violin, CEO of Korsana. “KRSA-028 could offer a ‘best-in-class’ experience to these patients.” Before joining Korsana, Violin led Viridian Therapeutics, Dianthus Therapeutics and Quellis Biosciences.
Investors in this funding round include Sanofi Ventures, J.P. Morgan Life Sciences Private Capital and Foresite Capital. Fairmount and Venrock Healthcare Capital Partners provided seed funding of $25 million in 2024.
The field for Alzheimer’s treatments remains competitive. Currently approved drugs include Leqembi from Biogen and Eisai, as well as Kisunla from Eli Lilly. Other companies are also pursuing novel approaches; Arrowhead Pharmaceuticals is testing an RNAi therapy called ARO-MAPT that aims at suppressing tau mRNA expression in neurons rather than targeting tau protein directly. ARO-MAPT is being evaluated in a Phase I/IIa study with data expected later this year.
Alector Therapeutics is developing AL137, another anti-amyloid antibody with next-generation brain delivery technology similar to Korsana's approach. AL137 targets specific receptors on the blood-brain barrier for improved penetration into the brain and remains in preclinical development.
