Nura Bio, a US-based clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company, has raised $73.8M in Series B funding led by The Column Group. The company develops oral SARM1 inhibitors that target axon degeneration, a core driver of neurological diseases including ALS. The capital will advance NB-4746 into Phase 1b/2a trials in ALS patients and progress the next-generation NB-9402 through early clinical studies.
SARM1 Pipeline Advances to Patients
The timing comes amid growing validation of the SARM1 target. Eli Lilly acquired Disarm Therapeutics for $135M upfront plus up to $1.225B in milestones to access SARM1 inhibitors. Nura Bio's approach pairs a reversible orthosteric inhibitor with a covalent allosteric one, creating a portfolio that explores different binding mechanisms for broader therapeutic coverage.
Axon Degeneration Drives Disease Progression
Axon degeneration is an early hallmark of neurological disorders across the central, peripheral, and ocular nervous systems. Current treatments for conditions like ALS offer limited disease modification, leaving patients with few options that address the underlying self-destruct pathway triggered by SARM1. The mechanism was identified through foundational research showing SARM1 acts as an NAD hydrolase that initiates Wallerian degeneration when axons are injured.
Dual-Mechanism Portfolio Targets Root Cause
Nura Bio has built two clinical-stage assets. NB-4746, its lead reversible orthosteric SARM1 inhibitor, completed Phase 1 with favorable safety, pharmacokinetics, and confirmed brain penetration via CSF exposure. NB-9402, a next-generation covalent allosteric inhibitor, entered first-in-human studies in June 2026 after rapid preclinical development. This dual strategy allows the company to test both reversible and irreversible inhibition while pursuing indications from ALS to peripheral neuropathies.
"We have built a portfolio of SARM1 inhibitors uniquely positioned to fully explore and validate the broad therapeutic potential of this target." — Shilpa Sambashivan, CEO
Founding Investor Leads Follow-On Round
The Column Group, which founded the company in 2018, led the Series B with continued participation from Euclidean Capital, Samsara BioCapital, and new investor Sanofi Ventures. The syndicate's repeat commitment signals strong conviction in the SARM1 mechanism after positive Phase 1 data. Total funding now exceeds $213M, providing runway through key proof-of-biology readouts expected within 18-24 months.
Neurodegenerative Market Expands with M&A Activity
The global neurodegenerative disease market stands at $59.06B in 2025 and is projected to reach $88.83B by 2031. Major pharma has validated the space through large acquisitions, including J&J's $14.6B purchase of Intra-Cellular Therapies. Nura Bio's lean 20-person team and focused execution position it to capture early clinical momentum in the emerging SARM1 inhibitor category.
What's Next
The Series B is structured to generate proof-of-biology data from ALS patient studies within 18-24 months while advancing NB-9402 through Phase 1a. The company continues to explore additional indications including multiple sclerosis, traumatic brain injury, and glaucoma through its preclinical pipeline.