Mosanna Therapeutics raises US$80m to develop nasal spray for sleep apnoea

Mosanna Therapeutics has secured US$80m in Series A funding to advance development of a nasal spray for obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA), a condition where breathing stops and starts during sleep due to a blocked airway.

The investment will support Phase II trials of MOS118, a spray used at night which aims to restore natural airway control by targeting the muscles that keep breathing passages open.

Unlike current treatments that rely on mechanical aids such as CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) machines, Mosanna’s approach views OSA as a neurological and muscular disorder rather than just a physical blockage.

Many patients find existing devices uncomfortable and difficult to use regularly, leading to poor adherence.

The round was co-led by Pivotal bioVenture Partners and EQT Life Sciences, with support from Forbion, Broadview Ventures and Norwest. Supermoon Capital, High-Tech Gründerfonds and founding investor Forty51 Ventures also returned for the round.

EQT Life Sciences managing director Daniela Begolo said: “What sets Mosanna apart is its fundamentally different approach to sleep apnoea, treating it as a neurological and muscular dysfunction rather than a purely mechanical issue.

“MOS118 is the first therapy with the potential to restore the body’s natural airway reflex with the simplicity of a nasal spray.

“MOS118 has the potential to dramatically improve adherence and outcomes in a patient population that has long been underserved.”

OSA is thought to affect around one billion people globally and is associated with health risks such as high blood pressure and cardiovascular disease.

Mosanna has named Dr David Weber as its new president and chief executive to steer the company through its next phase.

The funding will help push MOS118 through mid-stage trials and support development of other products.

Pivotal bioVenture partner Jeni Lee said: “With his deep expertise in biotech innovation and patient-centric therapies, Dr Weber was the ideal choice to lead Mosanna into the next chapter.

“We look forward to partnering with him and the Mosanna team to deliver on the promise of this life-changing sleep apnoea treatment.”

Delivering therapy via a nasal spray may offer a more practical option than bulky machines, potentially improving long-term treatment adherence among patients.