Altesa BioSciences closed a $75 million Series B to advance vapendavir, a once‑failed antiviral that targets rhinovirus, into a planned Phase 2b trial for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The raise was led by Forbion and included strategic backing from Sanofi and other investors. Brett Giroir, Altesa CEO and former acting FDA commissioner, framed the program as targeting patients at high risk for hospitalizations driven by rhinovirus exacerbations. Vapendavir previously failed a Phase 2 asthma study but showed symptom and duration benefits in a Phase 2a challenge trial in COPD patients. Altesa expects to start the larger, placebo‑controlled mid‑stage study in Q2 to enroll roughly 900 COPD patients randomized at the time of rhinovirus infection. Sanofi’s participation and the hire of experienced clinical leadership signal industry interest in antivirals that prevent exacerbations in chronic lung disease.