Brano Therapeutics, a spin-off from Singapore’s Duke-NUS Medical School, has secured $6.8 million in seed funding to support the development of new treatments for heart failure, including heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF), a condition with limited therapeutic options.

In a statement on Wednesday, Brano Therapeutics said the funding round was led by Trinity Innovation Bioventure Singapore and SEEDS, with participation from SGInnovate and Duke-NUS’ early-stage innovation fund, LIVE Ventures. The round includes a $380,000 commitment from LIVE Ventures, marking its first direct investment in a spin-off company.

The biotechnology company’s research is based on work conducted by Duke-NUS scientists and collaborators, including the University of Cincinnati, focused on understanding the biological drivers of HFpEF. Researchers identified a metabolic abnormality linked to poorer clinical outcomes, suggesting that impaired nutrient processing in the heart contributes to disease progression.

Preclinical studies indicate that a small-molecule compound may help restore metabolic regulation, reducing heart stiffness and improving function. The findings highlight the potential of targeting metabolic dysfunction as a therapeutic strategy for HFpEF.

Heart failure affects about 64 million people globally and accounts for around 17% of cardiac admissions in Singapore. The prevalence of HFpEF is rising, driven by ageing populations and increasing rates of conditions such as diabetes and hypertension.

Brano Therapeutics is leveraging its licensing agreement with Duke-NUS to advance these discoveries toward clinical application. The company aims to develop new compounds and move its lead therapies into clinical trials by 2029.

Investors said the funding reflects confidence in the company’s scientific approach and its potential to translate academic research into commercially viable treatments, contributing to Singapore’s growing biotechnology sector.

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