Expedition Therapeutics Secures $165M Series A for COPD Drug Development

Expedition Therapeutics, a Bay Area biotech company, has successfully closed a $165 million series A funding round to advance its chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) treatment program. The financing, led by Sofinnova Investments and Novo Holdings, will primarily support the phase 2 development of EXPD-101, a DPP1 inhibitor aimed at addressing the unmet needs of COPD patients.

Funding Details and Investor Lineup

The substantial series A round, which closed on October 9, 2025, saw participation from a diverse group of investors. In addition to lead investors Sofinnova Investments and Novo Holdings, the round included contributions from Forbion, Dawn Biopharma (a KKR-controlled platform), Adage Capital Management, Balyasny Asset Management, Logos Capital, and Sanofi Ventures. Existing investors also joined the funding effort, underlining confidence in Expedition's potential.

EXPD-101: A Potential First-in-Class Therapy

Expedition Therapeutics' flagship drug candidate, EXPD-101, is positioned as a potential first-in-class therapy targeting DPP1 for COPD treatment. The company's founder and CEO, Yi Larson, emphasized the significance of this approach, stating, "Most COPD patients lack effective treatment options. DPP1 represents an exciting new mechanism for COPD, and EXPD-101 has the potential to be a first-in-class therapy with this target."

The development of EXPD-101 builds on Expedition's strategic move in August 2025, when the company licensed the ex-China rights to the drug from Shanghai-based Fosun Pharma for $17 million upfront. Currently, Fosun's subsidiary, S-Infinity Pharmaceuticals, is conducting a phase 2 bronchiectasis trial of the asset in China.

Expansion Plans and Industry Context

While COPD remains the primary focus, Expedition plans to leverage the new funding to explore EXPD-101's potential in other neutrophil-driven inflammatory diseases. This expansion strategy aligns with recent industry developments, including the August 2025 approval of Insmed's Brinsupri (brensocatib), the first DPP1-inhibiting drug, for non-cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis.

The pharmaceutical landscape for COPD treatments is evolving rapidly, with Expedition's progress coming on the heels of other significant industry moves. Notably, just hours before Expedition's funding announcement, Novo Nordisk revealed a deal to acquire Akero Therapeutics for up to $5.2 billion, highlighting the intense activity and interest in the inflammatory disease space.