OMass Raises $310 Million to Advance CAH Drug
UK biotech OMass Therapeutics secures $310 million to push its MC2‑blocking drug into Phase 2 trials for congenital adrenal hyperplasia.
18 Oct 2026 0 reads Compiled with AI
#OMass Therapeutics #OMS1620 #Congenital adrenal hyperplasia #Crenessity #Vertex Pharmaceuticals #Bain Capital Life Sciences
OMass Therapeutics has closed a Series C round that brings the company’s new funding to $310 million. The new money will back a pipeline focused on congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH), a rare endocrine disorder that leaves patients without an enzyme needed for cortisol production. CAH causes low sodium, dehydration, and life‑threatening adrenal crisis when cortisol is missing.
OMS1620 targets the melanocortin‑2 (MC2) receptor in the adrenal glands. By blocking this receptor, the drug reduces the over‑production of adrenal hormones that leads to the hormonal imbalance seen in CAH. OMass says the molecule binds the receptor for an extended period and remains active even when hormone levels rise, helping patients maintain more normal cortisol levels while still taking glucocorticoids.
Typical CAH therapy relies on high doses of synthetic glucocorticoids, which can trigger side effects. The only other approved drug, Neurocrine’s Crenessity, blocks the CRFR1 receptor to lower ACTH release from the pituitary. Vertex is developing atumelnant, an ACTH inhibitor acquired through its purchase of Crinetics. These drugs fill a narrow market that Neurocrine reported $301.2 million in sales for in 2025.
With the Series C capital, OMass plans to move OMS1620 through Phase 2 studies for CAH and ACTH‑dependent Cushing’s syndrome. The company also has earlier‑stage assets, including a first‑in‑class SLC15A4 inhibitor aimed at lupus and other interferon‑driven diseases. The funding will support both the clinical program and preclinical work on these candidates.
Funding Powers Future Trials
The round was co‑led by Bain Capital Life Sciences, Forbion and Novo Holdings, with participation from Janus Henderson, SV Health, Jefferson Life Sciences, Syncona, Oxford Science Enterprises, GV, Northpond, Sanofi Ventures, British Business Bank and the University of Oxford. The investment underscores growing interest in niche endocrine therapies and provides OMass the resources to advance its pipeline into clinical stages.