- Business
- Vicore Pharma Holding AB (publ) (VICO.ST) is a clinical-stage pharmaceutical company that develops therapies targeting the angiotensin II type 2 receptor (AT2R) for severe lung diseases and related indications, including idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) and pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH); its lead product, buloxibutid (C21), is a first-in-class oral small molecule AT2 receptor agonist (ATRAG) in Phase 2b trials for IPF with Orphan Drug and Fast Track designations from the FDA, while Almee comprises an investigational digital therapeutic medical device based on cognitive behavioral therapy in late-stage development for anxiety associated with pulmonary fibrosis, having received FDA Breakthrough Device Designation; the company also advances an early-stage pipeline of additional ATRAG candidates and preclinical assets for respiratory and cardiovascular conditions. Founded in 2000 and headquartered in Stockholm, Sweden, with operations primarily in Europe and North America, Vicore focuses on disease-modifying treatments for patients with limited options, leveraging collaborations such as with Alex Therapeutics AB for digital solutions in interstitial lung diseases and Emeriti Bio AB and HaLaCore Pharma AB for next-generation AT2R molecules. Recent developments include a SEK 882 million (USD 85 million) financing round in 2024 featuring a heavily oversubscribed rights issue and strategic investment from Sanofi, an exclusive license agreement with Nippon Shinyaku, FDA Fast Track designation for buloxibutid in IPF, and progression of the global Phase 2b ASPIRE trial for IPF, alongside discontinuation of the preclinical inhaled thalidomide program for IPF cough to prioritize core ATRAG initiatives.