Biotech veterans John Maraganore and Clive Meanwell have launched Corsera, a startup aiming to prevent cardiovascular disease through a once-annual RNAi therapy that targets both PCSK9 and angiotensinogen (AGT), key drivers of LDL cholesterol and blood pressure. Maraganore described these as “the unambiguous winners of the things-to-control contest” for cardiovascular disease prevention. Complementing its therapeutic approach, Corsera has developed an AI platform, Klotho Health, trained on large datasets including the UK Biobank, to predict an individual’s likelihood of developing cardiovascular disease.
The venture represents Maraganore and Meanwell’s “third act” together, following prior collaborations including the Medicines Company’s acquisition of bivalirudin and the licensing of inclisiran. Maraganore said, “This will probably be the most important thing I've ever done in my career,” with Meanwell expressing similar sentiments.
Addressing public concerns around RNA therapies, Maraganore clarified, “It's small interfering RNA, not messenger RNA, number 1. Number 2, it does not stimulate an immune response.” Meanwell added, “People go all kinds of places for their hair restoration products, medicines that need a prescription. There's nothing saying consumer empowerment shouldn't happen when they have the information.”
