Tue Sep 17 06:35:00 UTC 2024: ## Karolinska Development’s Portfolio Company AnaCardio Achieves Key Milestones in Heart Failure Treatment Development

**STOCKHOLM, SWEDEN – September 17, 2024** – Karolinska Development AB (Nasdaq Stockholm: KDEV) today announced that its portfolio company AnaCardio has successfully completed two key clinical studies evaluating AC01, a novel drug candidate for the treatment of heart failure.

The AC01-FE study, conducted in the United States, assessed the impact of food on the pharmacokinetics of AC01 in healthy volunteers. The study, involving 24 participants, confirmed that AC01 is safe and well-tolerated under both fed and fasted conditions.

AnaCardio also completed the first part (phase 1b) of the clinical phase 1b/2a study GOAL-HF1, which is evaluating AC01 in patients with heart failure and reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF). The study, a randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled trial, enrolled 32 patients who received ascending doses of AC01 or placebo over a seven-day period. The first part of the study successfully assessed the drug candidate’s safety profile, tolerability, and pharmacokinetics. The second part (phase 2a) of the GOAL-HF1 study is expected to commence in Q1 2025.

“We are delighted with the progress made in AnaCardio’s clinical development program for AC01, a promising new treatment for heart failure with a unique mechanism of action,” said Viktor Drvota, CEO of Karolinska Development. “These milestones demonstrate the potential of AC01 to significantly impact the lives of patients suffering from this debilitating condition.”

AC01 is a small molecule drug candidate that mimics the mode of action of the peptide hormone ghrelin. Ghrelin treatment has been shown to improve heart contractility and increase blood ejection volume.

Karolinska Development owns a 19% interest in AnaCardio. The company is actively involved in supporting AnaCardio’s clinical development program to bring this innovative treatment to market.

**About Karolinska Development**

Karolinska Development AB is a Nordic life sciences investment company focused on identifying and developing breakthrough medical innovations in the region. The company invests in the creation and growth of companies that advance these assets into commercial products designed to improve patients’ lives while providing attractive returns to shareholders.

Karolinska Development has access to world-class medical innovations at Karolinska Institutet and other leading universities and research institutes in the Nordic region. The Company aims to build companies around leading scientists, supported by experienced management teams and advisors, and co-funded by specialist international investors, to maximize the chance of success.

Karolinska Development has a portfolio of twelve companies targeting opportunities in innovative treatment for life-threatening or serious debilitating diseases. The Company is led by an entrepreneurial team of investment professionals with a proven track record as company builders and access to a strong global network.

**For further information, please contact:**

* Viktor Drvota, CEO, Karolinska Development AB
* Phone: +46 73 982 52 02
* Email: viktor.drvota@karolinskadevelopment.com
* Johan Dighed, General Counsel and Deputy CEO, Karolinska Development AB
* Phone: +46 70 207 48 26
* Email: johan.dighed@karolinskadevelopment.com

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