Boston – September 08, 2026 -- Superluminal Medicines has closed an oversubscribed $60 million Series B financing led by BVF Partners, L.P., to fund a Phase 1 clinical trial for rare genetic forms of obesity expected to begin by the end of 2026.
New investors Deep Track Capital and Perceptive Advisors join the round
The financing includes participation from new investors Deep Track Capital and Perceptive Advisors, alongside existing backers RA Capital Management, Insight Partners, NVIDIA, Catalio Capital Management, Eli Lilly and Company, Cooley, and Gaingels.
Lead program targets MC4R pathway for genetic obesity conditions
Superluminal's lead clinical candidate is a selective, biased MC4R agonist designed for rare genetic forms of obesity, including Bardet-Biedl syndrome, and hypothalamic obesity. The MC4R pathway is a clinically validated regulator of energy homeostasis and appetite. The company states the program may have future applications in conditions such as Prader-Willi syndrome and in combination with GLP-1 therapies for broader patient populations.
Preclinical data show high selectivity and favorable safety profile
In preclinical studies, the candidate demonstrated high selectivity and a favorable safety profile, according to the company. Superluminal's approach is designed to activate only the signaling pathways responsible for the desired clinical effect while minimizing side effects.
Company transitions from discovery platform to clinical-stage biotech
"This financing represents an important milestone in Superluminal's evolution as we transition from a discovery platform company to a clinical-stage biotechnology company," said Cony D'Cruz, Chief Executive Officer of Superluminal Medicines.
AI-driven platform combines Cryo-EM with GPCR-focused co-folding models
Superluminal's discovery platform integrates Agentic Cryo-EM capabilities, which generate hundreds of empirical GPCR structures, with GPCR-focused co-folding models, de novo small-molecule design, predictive ADME/toxicology models, and GPCR biophysics. The platform is initially focused on G protein-coupled receptors, a structurally complex target class.
Eli Lilly partnership targets undisclosed GPCRs for cardiometabolic disease
Beyond its wholly owned pipeline, Superluminal maintains a strategic collaboration with Eli Lilly and Company to advance small-molecule therapeutics targeting undisclosed GPCRs for cardiometabolic diseases and obesity.
Harsha Paladugu, Investment Analyst at BVF and a Superluminal board member, said the lead MC4R program addresses a serious unmet need for patients with rare genetic forms of obesity. Nandita Shangari, managing director at RA Capital Management and a board member, said the financing syndicate reflects growing confidence in the company's platform and its ability to translate technology into clinical programs.