Oorja Bio Launches With $30M Series A + Phase 1 ORJ-001 IPF Data (May 19): First-in-Class β1 Integrin Agonist Peptide Restoring Alveolar Epithelial Type 2 Cell Function
Oorja Bio launched as a clinical-stage company on May 19 with a $30M Series A from Westlake BioPartners and announced Phase 1 first-in-human clinical data for its lead asset ORJ-001 in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). ORJ-001 is a first-in-class subcutaneous peptide therapeutic — a selective β1 integrin agonist — designed to restore the function of alveolar epithelial type 2 (AEC2) cells, the lung cells that repair alveolar damage and lose regenerative capacity in IPF. Phase 1 in healthy volunteers showed therapeutically relevant exposure and favorable tolerability; in vitro target engagement in lung epithelial cells and fibroblasts ran in the nanomolar range matching achieved plasma concentrations. Preclinical bleomycin-induced lung fibrosis models documented reversal of established fibrosis and regeneration of normal alveolar morphology. The company has FDA IND clearance and plans Phase 2 initiation in IPF patients in 2026. The Houston-based biotech joins Animate Biosciences, Rein Therapeutics' LTI-03, and Avalyn Pharma as peptide-focused IPF programs.