DLA Piper advises Altesa BioSciences in US$75 million Series B to advance its lead product candidate

DLA Piper advised clinical-stage pharmaceutical company Altesa BioSciences, Inc. (Altesa) in its US$75 million Series B financing. The proceeds will be used to advance Vapendavir, a therapeutic for the treatment of rhinovirus infections, which are the predominant cause of respiratory exacerbations in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) and other chronic lung diseases.

The Series B round was led by new investors, Forbion and Sanofi, along with substantial participation by existing investors, Medixci, Atlanta Partners, and Pitango.

“We greatly appreciate the continued strategic support from our team at DLA Piper, which has helped guide us since our early days, and look forward to working with them as we embark on the next critical phase of our development,” said John M. Clerici, JD, President and Chief Operating Officer of Altesa BioSciences.

“We are thrilled to be part of the Altesa team and are excited for the company as it progresses its important lead candidate for patients,” said Andrew Gilbert, US Chair of the firm’s Corporate practice.

In addition to Gilbert, the DLA Piper deal team included Partner Sam Marll and Managing Director Elizabeth Sheeleigh.

DLA Piper’s Emerging Growth and Venture Capital practice includes more than 200 lawyers who provide strategic counsel to emerging companies and venture capital firms in high-growth industries, including technology, healthcare, life sciences, and financial services. Over the last three years, DLA Piper has completed more than 2,100 financings globally, totaling more than US$80 billion. The firm is ranked among the most active global law firms for venture capital deal volume, according to PitchBook.

With over 400 life sciences professionals worldwide, DLA Piper deliver seamless, tailored solutions across every stage of the business lifecycle. Our team includes medical doctors, PhDs, and industry veterans who bring extensive scientific and legal knowledge and experience to every challenge. We combine modern insights with an expansive geographic footprint to help clients anticipate risk, maximize opportunity, and stay ahead in a rapidly evolving landscape. Whether navigating complex regulations or defending innovation, we work as one—offering bold, agile strategies and value-added counsel that keep science on your side.

With more than 1,000 corporate lawyers globally, DLA Piper helps clients execute complex transactions seamlessly while supporting clients across all stages of development. The firm has been rated #1 in global M&A volume for 16 consecutive years by Mergermarket and ranked #1 in VC, PE, and M&A in combined global deal volume by PitchBook.