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.
OCALA, FL, USA — April 1st, 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).
Atrial Fibrillation (AF) is recognized as a growing global epidemic driven by aging and lifestyle factors, with over 60 million individuals affected worldwide. Despite advancements in ablation, surgical and device-based treatments, current pharmacological options for AF remain inadequate. Existing anti-AF drugs often suffer from low efficacy and significant safety risks, specifically the danger of pro-arrhythmia caused by unintended effects on ventricular ion channels.
SAR-297871 is an orally available, small-molecule inhibitor of the TASK-1 (K2P3.1) potassium channel, originally developed by Sanofi for the treatment of atrial fibrillation (AF). Extensive preclinical research and human cardiac tissue data support its potent, atrial-focused activity and differentiated safety profile.
NovaRhythm has licensed SAR-297871 from Sanofi and now holds exclusive global rights to advance the program through IND-enabling studies, clinical development and commercialization.
Atrial Fibrillation (AF) is the most common clinically significant arrhythmia, affecting over 59 million patients worldwide. Despite advances in ablation, devices, and anticoagulation, pharmacologic rhythm and rate control remains limited by modest efficacy and safety concerns. Many currently available anti-arrhythmic drugs also affect ventricular ion channels, increasing the risk of proarrhythmia and other adverse effects.
NovaRhythm Biosciences was founded to address this gap by developing atrial-specific therapeutics that restore and maintain sinus rhythm and rate while minimizing off-target cardiac risk.
Atrial fibrillation (AF) is fundamentally a disease of abnormal atrial repolarization, driven by pathological shortening of atrial refractoriness.
TASK-1, a potassium channel which is pathologically increased in AF, is the dominant atrial potassium leak channel responsible for remodeling of the atria—making it one of the most precise and atrial-selective therapeutic targets in modern electrophysiology.
NovaRhythm Biosciences was founded to address this gap by developing atrial-specific therapeutics that restore and maintain sinus rhythm and rate while minimizing off-target cardiac risk.
NovaRhythm Biosciences is driving the SAR-297871 program through IND and Phase 1 studies and is seeking engagement from investors and industry partners.
