Celea Therapeutics has raised $180 million in a major financing round to advance deupirfenidone into what will be the first head-to-head Phase 3 clinical trial in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). 

Thus, positioning the investigational therapy as a potential new standard of care for the fatal lung disease. 

The financing brings together a syndicate of leading healthcare investors, including RA Capital Management, Leaps by Bayer and company founder PureTech Health, alongside a large U.S.-based healthcare-focused fund and a leading sovereign wealth fund. 

The proceeds will fund the planned early third-quarter 2026 launch of the global Phase 3 SURPASS-IPF trial, which will directly compare deupirfenidone with pirfenidone, a current standard antifibrotic therapy for adults with IPF. 

"People living with IPF continue to face a devastating disease with limited treatment options, and we believe deupirfenidone has the potential to deliver meaningful improvements for patients," said Sven Dethlefs, Chief Executive Officer of Celea.  

"We are grateful for the support and confidence of this exceptional group of investors, whose commitment enables us to initiate the Phase 3 SURPASS-IPF trial and advance development of deupirfenidone with the speed and focus this community deserves." 

The SURPASS-IPF study is designed as a global, randomized, double-blind trial comparing deupirfenidone 825 mg three times daily with pirfenidone 801 mg three times daily in adults with IPF who are not receiving background therapy.  

The primary endpoint is the change from baseline in absolute forced vital capacity at 52 weeks, with the trial designed to evaluate whether deupirfenidone is superior to pirfenidone. 

"We are delighted to support Celea as it enters this important next stage of development,” said Laura Stoppel, Partner at RA Capital Management.  

“The compelling results generated to date with deupirfenidone and the Company’s bold Phase 3 SURPASS-IPF trial represent a differentiated opportunity to meaningfully change the treatment landscape in IPF.  

"Supported by a seasoned team with a demonstrated track record of successfully advancing innovative medicines, Celea is exceptionally well positioned to execute on its strategy of unlocking the full potential of deupirfenidone for patients.”