Celea Therapeutics raised $180 million to advance deupirfenidone into late-stage development for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. The PureTech-backed company said the venture round will fund a move into late-stage testing in the third quarter of 2026, positioning deupirfenidone as a retooled version of pirfenidone (Roche’s Esbriet). Celea reported Phase 2 data released in late 2024 showing deupirfenidone slowed lung function decline versus placebo over six months, and the company said it has potential use across other fibrotic diseases. Investors listed in the announcement include RA Capital Management, Leaps by Bayer, and PureTech, alongside additional unnamed funds. The round lands as IPF remains an area with limited approved options beyond pirfenidone and nintedanib derivatives and newer agents with different mechanisms.