FALLS CHURCH, VA - Aug 06, 2025 (UTC) - Retension Pharmaceuticals, a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on innovative therapies for hypertension and cardiovascular diseases, has secured $15 million in a Series B financing round. The funding, supported by new and existing investors, will propel the clinical development of RTN-001, a novel treatment for patients with uncontrolled and resistant hypertension. This follows a $10.4 million Series A in August 2024 and a $12.3 million venture round in May 2025, bringing total funding to over $37 million. Retension also announced the issuance of U.S. Patent No. 12,258,350, securing protection for RTN-001’s crystalline polymorph forms through 2044.
The Series B funds will drive the advancement of RTN-001, a second-generation PDE5 inhibitor optimized for once-daily dosing to provide 24-hour blood pressure control. Targeting patients on multiple antihypertensive medications yet struggling with blood pressure regulation, RTN-001 has shown promising efficacy in early trials, comparable to existing therapies, with a favorable safety profile.
Strategic Use of Funds
The $15 million investment will support:
- Clinical Development: Advancing RTN-001 into a Phase 2b trial for patients with resistant and uncontrolled hypertension.
- Technology Optimization: Refining RTN-001’s formulation for enhanced efficacy and patient compliance.
- Team Expansion: Growing the Falls Church-based team to support expanded clinical programs.
- Global Licensing: Strengthening Retension’s exclusive worldwide license from Sanofi S.A. for RTN-001.
Innovative Approach to Hypertension
RTN-001 leverages a tissue-targeted PDE5 inhibition mechanism to enhance nitric oxide-based signaling, critical for blood pressure regulation. Unlike first-generation PDE5 inhibitors, RTN-001 is designed for cardiovascular-specific action, offering a novel solution for the estimated 120 million U.S. adults with hypertension, of whom only 21% achieve full control, per World Health Organization data. With over 265 subjects evaluated across nine clinical trials, RTN-001 addresses a critical unmet need in cardiovascular care.
Leadership and Expertise
Founded in 2023 by CEO Eric Keller and Chief Scientific Officer Dr. Paul Sweetnam, Retension combines decades of biopharmaceutical expertise. Strategic advisors, including Dr. Jonathan Stamler of University Hospitals and Case Western Reserve University, bolster the company’s mission. Operating from Falls Church, Virginia, Retension is positioned at the forefront of cardiovascular innovation.
Addressing Industry Challenges
Hypertension, affecting 1.28 billion adults globally, remains a leading cause of heart disease, stroke, and kidney failure. The market for antihypertensive therapies faces challenges in treating resistant cases, with many patients requiring multiple medications. RTN-001’s targeted approach and once-daily dosing aim to overcome these hurdles, offering a potential paradigm shift for patients with limited treatment options.
Stakeholder Insights
“We are excited to advance RTN-001 toward addressing one of the most pressing challenges in cardiovascular medicine,” said Eric Keller, CEO of Retension Pharmaceuticals. “This funding validates our vision to deliver transformative therapies.”
Dr. Bill Sasiela, Chief Medical Officer, added, “RTN-001’s early data and safety profile position it as a game-changer for resistant hypertension, and we look forward to expanding our clinical program.”
Future Vision
Retension plans to initiate its Phase 2b trial in 2026, targeting accelerated development to bring RTN-001 to market. With patent protection through 2044 and a robust clinical pipeline, the company aims to redefine hypertension treatment by 2030.
About Retension Pharmaceuticals
Founded in 2023, Retension Pharmaceuticals is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company headquartered in Falls Church, Virginia. Focused on hypertension and cardiovascular diseases, its lead candidate, RTN-001, is a tissue-targeted PDE5 inhibitor evaluated in over 265 subjects across nine clinical trials. Retension aims to address unmet needs in cardiovascular care through innovative therapies.
Contact
For more information, contact:
Sabine Bisson, Chief Operating Officer
Email: press@retensionpharmaceuticals.com
Website: https://www.retensionpharmaceuticals.com
