VST BIO Corporation Raises $45M in Series A Financing

Funds will advance lead stroke therapy VB-001 into first-in-human trials and expand platform.

Mar. 17, 2026 at 4:32pm

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VST BIO Corporation, a biotechnology company developing stroke therapeutics, has closed a $45 million Series A financing round led by Coefficient Giving, a philanthropic funder and advisor. The proceeds will enable VST BIO to advance its lead program VB-001 into first-in-human studies in 2026, expand its platform, and build core development capabilities.

Why it matters

Stroke is a leading cause of disability and mortality worldwide, and new treatment options are desperately needed. VST BIO's approach of targeting vascular inflammation and edema could represent a novel and transformative therapy for stroke patients.

The details

VST BIO's lead candidate, VB-001, has demonstrated efficacy in preclinical studies for stroke, sepsis, and the potential to reduce cytokine release syndrome. The Series A financing will support the advancement of VB-001 into first-in-human trials next year, as well as the expansion of VST BIO's broader therapeutic platform.

  • VST BIO closed its Series A financing on March 17, 2026.
  • VB-001 is expected to enter first-in-human studies in 2026.

The players

VST BIO Corporation

A preclinical-stage biotechnology company focused on developing first-in-class antibodies targeting edema and inflammation for patients with ischemic stroke.

Coefficient Giving

A philanthropic funder and advisor that partners with donors on cost-effective, high-impact giving across issues such as global health and science R&D.

Krisztina Zsebo Ph.D.

CEO and Chairman of the Board of VST BIO.

William Sessa

Newly appointed member of VST BIO's Board of Directors, previously served as SVP and CSO for Internal Medicine at Pfizer.

Michael Simons

Co-founder of VST BIO.

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What they’re saying

“We are pleased to have completed this financing to support advancement of VB-001 for the benefit of stroke patients.”

— Krisztina Zsebo Ph.D., CEO and Chairman of the Board of VST BIO

“Bill Sessa brings decades of experience in translating vascular therapeutics from basic research to proof-of-concept clinical trials, that will be invaluable as we enter our next phase of growth.”

— Michael Simons, Co-founder of VST BIO

“I am excited to work with VST BIO who is developing a first in class molecule targeting vascular inflammation in stroke patients. This bold approach, supported by extensive pre-clinical data, has the potential to transform the landscape for patients with this debilitating disease.”

— William Sessa

What’s next

VST BIO plans to advance VB-001 into first-in-human studies in 2026 following the successful Series A financing.

The takeaway

VST BIO's innovative approach to targeting vascular inflammation and edema in stroke patients represents a promising new frontier in the treatment of this devastating condition. The Series A financing will enable the company to accelerate the development of VB-001 and expand its broader therapeutic platform.