AnaCardio raised €62.5 million ($70.5 million) to drive AC01 into Phase IIb development for chronic advanced heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF). The Stockholm-based company’s oral, calcium-sensitizing contractile agent is designed to improve cardiac contractility via a ghrelin-mimetic small-molecule mechanism. AC01 previously delivered Phase Ib/IIa results published in The Lancet, and the new financing is intended to fully fund the Phase IIb program and support readiness for Phase III by 2028. AnaCardio said it has received positive scientific advice from both the US FDA and the EMA, aiming to de-risk development planning for later-stage evidence. The round was co-led by Novo Holdings and the Ljungström family office, with participation from both existing and new investors including Helsinn, Pureos Bioventures, Sound Bioventures, Industrifonden, Flerie, LLD Nybohov Invest AB, and Innovestor Life Science, according to the financing report.