Celea Therapeutics raised $180 million to advance deupirfenidone, its next-generation idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) therapy. The PureTech spinout, launched in 2025, positions the program as a retooled version of pirfenidone (Roche’s Esbriet), aiming to move into late-stage testing. Celea said the funds will support launching deupirfenidone into late-stage studies in the third quarter of 2026. Early Phase 2 data released in late 2024 showed slower lung function decline versus placebo over six months, with Leerink Partners describing improved efficacy and similar-to-slightly-better tolerability relative to pirfenidone. Investors backing the round include RA Capital Management, Leaps by Bayer, and PureTech, along with two unnamed funds. The financing lands as IPF remains an area of limited approved options and multiple companies are competing for label expansions and new mechanisms.