Terremoto Lands $108M for Precision Strike on Cancer and Rare Disease

SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO, CA – April 15, 2026

Terremoto Biosciences, a clinical-stage biotechnology company, has secured a significant $108 million in Series C financing to advance its pioneering work in developing highly selective medicines for cancer and a rare genetic disorder. The funding round, which attracted a formidable syndicate of new and existing life science investors, signals strong confidence in the company's strategy to drug a well-known but challenging cellular pathway.

The capital infusion will fuel the clinical development of Terremoto’s lead drug candidates, which are designed to selectively inhibit AKT1, a key protein implicated in disease progression. This precision approach aims to succeed where previous, broader-acting drugs have often been hampered by dose-limiting toxicities. The financing was led by new investors RA Capital Management, Deep Track Capital, Osage University Partners (OUP), and BeOne Medicines, with robust participation from existing backers including OrbiMed, Third Rock Ventures, Novo Holdings, and Cormorant Asset Management.

“Proceeds from this financing enable us to advance our lead AKT1-selective inhibitor programs through Phase 1 clinical development for patients with cancer and rare diseases such as hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia,” said Charles Baum, M.D., Ph.D., Chief Executive Officer of Terremoto. “We are grateful for the support from new and existing investors as we work to unlock the full potential of selective AKT1 inhibition and bring more effective and better tolerated treatment options to patients with significant unmet need.”

A New Strategy for an Old Target

The PI3K/AKT pathway is one of the most frequently activated signaling routes in human cancer, making it a high-priority target for drug developers for decades. However, its central role in normal cellular processes, including glucose metabolism, has made it a difficult target to hit without causing significant collateral damage.

Previous generations of drugs, known as pan-AKT inhibitors, target all three isoforms of the AKT protein (AKT1, AKT2, and AKT3). While showing some efficacy, their broad activity often leads to severe side effects. Inhibition of AKT2, in particular, has been linked to hyperglycemia (high blood sugar) and rash, toxicities that can force patients to reduce their dose or stop treatment altogether, ultimately limiting the drug's effectiveness.

Terremoto’s approach is a testament to the evolution of precision medicine. Using advanced medicinal chemistry, the company has developed inhibitors that specifically target the AKT1 isoform. Preclinical data suggests that AKT1 is the primary driver in certain cancers and the rare disease HHT, while sparing AKT2 and AKT3 could dramatically improve a drug's tolerability. By designing molecules that selectively hit AKT1, Terremoto aims to create a superior therapeutic window—allowing for more potent and durable anti-tumor activity without the debilitating side effects that have plagued earlier pathway inhibitors like AstraZeneca's capivasertib and Genentech's ipatasertib.

This scientific rationale is now being put to the test with TER-2013, the company’s lead oncology candidate. The drug is currently in a Phase 1/2 clinical trial for patients with advanced solid tumors that have specific genetic alterations in the PI3K/AKT/PTEN pathway. These mutations are common across many cancers, including more than half of all cases of HR-positive breast cancer, representing a substantial patient population that could benefit from a more tolerable and effective treatment.

Tackling Unmet Needs from Oncology to Orphan Disease

While the oncology application is significant, Terremoto is also showcasing the versatility of its platform by targeting a completely different and underserved patient population with its second lead program, TER-4480.

This candidate is being developed for Hereditary Hemorrhagic Telangiectasia (HHT), a rare genetic bleeding disorder affecting an estimated 1.4 million people worldwide. HHT, also known as Osler-Weber-Rendu disease, is characterized by the formation of abnormal blood vessels (arteriovenous malformations, or AVMs) that are fragile and prone to bleeding. Patients often suffer from chronic, severe nosebleeds, gastrointestinal bleeding, and life-threatening AVMs in organs like the lungs, brain, and liver. The constant blood loss frequently leads to severe anemia, requiring repeated iron infusions and blood transfusions.

Currently, there are no FDA-approved therapies specifically for HHT. Management is focused on supportive care and invasive procedures to control bleeding, leaving a vast unmet need for a systemic therapy that addresses the underlying biology of the disease. Research has implicated the AKT1 pathway in the abnormal vessel formation seen in HHT. By selectively inhibiting AKT1, TER-4480 has the potential to be the first therapy to tackle the root cause of the disorder.

Because HHT is a chronic condition requiring lifelong management, a drug’s safety profile is paramount. Terremoto’s strategy of avoiding AKT2 inhibition is particularly critical here, as a well-tolerated oral medication could transform the standard of care for HHT patients. The company expects to move TER-4480 into its first clinical trial later this year.

Investor Confidence and the Path Forward

The composition of the investor syndicate behind the $108 million financing speaks volumes. Firms like RA Capital, OrbiMed, and Third Rock Ventures are among the most experienced and discerning investors in the life sciences sector. Their willingness to commit significant capital to a clinical-stage company underscores a strong belief in the scientific plausibility of Terremoto’s platform and the commercial potential of its drug candidates.

The funding provides Terremoto with a multi-year runway to execute on its clinical plans. The immediate focus is on advancing the Phase 1/2 trial for TER-2013 in cancer patients and initiating the first human study for TER-4480 in HHT. The data generated from these initial trials will be critical. Positive results would not only validate the company's core hypothesis about selective AKT1 inhibition but also pave the way for pivotal studies and potential expansion into other diseases, solidifying the company's position as a leader in precision therapeutics.