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Respira Therapeutics has raised $3.0M across 2 funding rounds.
Key people at Respira Therapeutics.
Respira Therapeutics has raised $3.0M in total across 2 funding rounds.
Respira Therapeutics develops unique inhaled therapeutic products for unmet patient needs in respiratory diseases. Utilizing its proprietary AOS™ DPI device and advanced particle engineering, the company crafts pulmonary products for enhanced therapeutic benefits. Its lead candidate, RT234, is in clinical testing for pulmonary arterial hypertension, intended for as-needed use.
The company's inception stemmed from a clear recognition of the critical need for improved pulmonary drug delivery. Established by experienced professionals, Respira's leadership leverages collective backgrounds in drug-device combination development and advanced pharmaceutical formulations for its innovative approach.
Respira primarily serves patients with cardiopulmonary diseases, offering innovative inhalation products for better therapeutic outcomes. The company also collaborates with partners requiring specialized pulmonary delivery solutions. Its vision involves expanding its pipeline with new programs, advancing respiratory health via innovation.
Key people at Respira Therapeutics.
Respira Therapeutics has raised $3.0M across 2 funding rounds. Most recently, it raised $2.0M Series A in August 2013.
| Date | Round | Lead Investors | Other Investors | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aug 1, 2013 | $2M Series A | — | Cottonwood Technology Fund | Announced |
| Sep 1, 2010 | $1M Series A | — | Cottonwood Technology Fund | Announced |
Respira Therapeutics is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company developing innovative inhaled therapies for cardiopulmonary diseases, particularly pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) and pulmonary hypertension associated with interstitial lung disease (PH-ILD).[1][2][4] Its lead product, RT234 (vardenafil inhalation powder), is a first-in-class, as-needed (PRN) treatment designed for rapid relief of symptoms like breathlessness and fatigue, using advanced particle engineering and proprietary device technologies to improve lung delivery.[1][2][4] The company serves PH patients who face debilitating daily symptoms despite chronic therapies, with RT234 currently in Phase 2 trials and backed by under $5 million in funding across two rounds.[1][2]
In September 2025, Respira entered an agreement granting Gossamer Bio an option to acquire it from Samsara BioCapital, aiming to accelerate RT234's development amid growing demand for on-demand PH treatments.[2]
Founded in 2010 by David Blivin, Respira Therapeutics emerged in Albuquerque, New Mexico, as a privately-held biotech firm initially operating in the health care equipment space.[1][5] The company's idea stemmed from unmet needs in cardiopulmonary care, focusing on inhaled therapeutics to target small airways and enhance drug delivery for diseases like PAH.[1][3][4] Early traction built through proprietary particle engineering and device innovations, leading to RT234 as its flagship candidate—a novel dry powder formulation of vardenafil for self-administered PRN use.[1][2] Pivotal moments include advancing to Phase 2 trials and the 2025 Gossamer Bio agreement, which positions Respira for faster scaling under Samsara BioCapital's portfolio.[1][2]
Respira rides the wave of precision respiratory therapies, capitalizing on advances in inhaled drug delivery amid rising PH prevalence—driven by aging populations and post-COVID lung complications.[1][2][4] Timing is ideal as no approved PRN options exist for PAH/PH-ILD, where chronic therapies fall short, creating a $10B+ market opportunity fueled by biotech M&A and investor interest in rare diseases.[2] Market forces like regulatory fast-tracks for orphan drugs and demand for patient-centric inhalers favor Respira, influencing the ecosystem by pioneering self-administered acute relief models that could redefine PH management.[1][2]
Respira's acquisition option with Gossamer Bio signals imminent acceleration of RT234 toward late-stage trials and potential commercialization, leveraging Gossamer's PH expertise (e.g., seralutinib).[2] Trends like AI-optimized formulations and combo therapies will shape its path, potentially expanding RT234 to broader PH indications. Its influence may evolve from niche innovator to ecosystem shaper via integration into larger players, delivering the acute relief PH patients desperately need—transforming Respira from a Samsara portfolio gem into a cornerstone of next-gen respiratory care.[2][4]
Respira Therapeutics has raised $3.0M in total across 2 funding rounds.
Respira Therapeutics's investors include Cottonwood Technology Fund.
