NovaRhythm Obtains Global Rights from Sanofi for SAR-297871 to Advance Precision Atrial Fibrillation Therapy
A highly selective TASK-1 inhibitor designed to restore rhythm and rate with improved safety — moving toward First-in-Human studies
OCALA, FL, UNITED STATES, April 1, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ -- NovaRhythm Biosciences, a biotechnology company developing next-generation therapeutics for cardiac arrhythmias, today announced the successful in-licensing of SAR-297871, a highly selective TASK-1 potassium channel inhibitor originally developed by Sanofi for the treatment of Atrial Fibrillation (AF).Under the agreement, NovaRhythm obtains exclusive global rights to progress the molecule through IND-enabling studies, clinical development and commercialization, with a primary objective of establishing first-in-human safety and pharmacokinetics.
SAR-297871 represents one of the most advanced precision-mechanism AF drug candidates in pre-clinical development today. The molecule was previously supported by extensive preclinical investment by Sanofi, including medicinal chemistry, in-vivo pharmacology, and human ex-vivo cardiac tissue validation. Pre-clinical data generated to date demonstrate a compelling efficacy and safety profile, with atrial-selective channel targeting designed to minimize risk of ventricular pro-arrhythmia, a significant limitation of existing anti-arrhythmic drugs.
“This agreement marks a foundational milestone for NovaRhythm,” said Paul E. Miller, PhD, CEO of NovaRhythm Biosciences. “SAR-297871 offers a novel mechanism aimed at restoring healthy cardiac rhythm and rate with fewer side effects, addressing a critical gap in the treatment landscape for millions of patients with atrial fibrillation. We are proud to continue the forward trajectory of this important asset and advance it toward first-in-human studies”.
Atrial Fibrillation affects more than 59 million people globally, with incidence rising as populations age. Existing drug therapies remain effective for only a subset of patients and are often limited by tolerability and safety constraints. As a next-generation mechanism directly targeting the atrial-specific TASK-1 channel, SAR-297871 seeks to overcome these therapeutic limitations and deliver improved rhythm and rate control with a more favorable risk profile.
NovaRhythm expects to complete IND-enabling work with its established development partners and is preparing for Phase 1 initiation following regulatory clearance. The company will provide ongoing updates as the program progresses.
About NovaRhythm Biosciences
NovaRhythm Biosciences is a cardiovascular therapeutics leader developing first-in-class treatments for cardiac arrhythmias. Using human-based evidence and targeted ion channel pharmacology, NovaRhythm is advancing its lead program, SAR-297871 - a breakthrough dual-action therapy designed to restore rhythm and rate for atrial fibrillation (AF) patients.
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