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NovaRhythm Biosciences, Inc
9311 SE Maricamp Rd #1007
Ocala, FL 34472 USA
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info@novarhythmbio.com

© 2026, NOVARHYTHM BIOSCIENCES.

SAR-297871

Reprogramming Atrial Filbration at its Source

SAR-297871: A First-in-Class Atrial-Selective TASK-1 Inhibitor

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 in-licensed SAR-297871 from Sanofi and now holds exclusive global rights to advance the program through IND-enabling studies, clinical development and commercialization. 

Mechanism of Action

Targeting the atrial TASK-1 channel at the molecular origin of AF.

In atrial fibrillation (AF), abnormal electrical activity in the atria disrupts the heart’s normal rhythm and rate, leading to rapid, irregular beating. A key contributor to this process is the TASK-1 potassium channel, which is upregulated in atrial tissue of AF patients and contributes to shortened action potential duration, promoting re-entry and ectopic firing.

SAR-297871 in Human Donor Atrial Tissues

NovaRhythm’s data identifies TASK-1 channel as a breakthrough target for treating atrial fibrillation (AF). Our lead compound, SAR-297871, is a selective TASK-1 inhibitor designed to eliminate arrhythmic behaviors and triggered contractions, restore normal atrial rhythm and rate, and validate a powerful new pathway for the future of AF treatment.

Stabilizing Atrial Cells with SAR-297871 to Prevent AF Progression

NovaRhythm data from atrial cells of AF donors demonstrates how SAR-297871 counteracts action potential (AP) shortening – a key driver of atrial electrical remodeling and AF. By prolonging the AP duration across different repolarization stages, SAR-297871 helps re-balance electrical activity and prevent rhythm disorders.

SAR-297871: Advancing Safe Rhythm Management in AF

SAR-297871 demonstrates high safety profile through its atrial-selective profile. Studies on ventricular trabeculae and cardiomyocytes from normal donor hearts show no impact on ventricular function, confirming a significantly lower risk of cardiotoxicity and proarrhythmia.

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J. Kevin Buchi

BOARD MEMBER AND M&A ADVISOR

Mr. Buchi previously served as Chief Executive Officer of BioSpecifics Technologies Corp. and of TetraLogic Pharmaceuticals Corporation. From 1991 to 2010, Mr. Buchi served as the Chief Financial Officer at Cephalon Pharmaceuticals and from 2010 to 2011 became the Chief Executive Officer to complete the $6.9 Billion acquisition of Cephalon by Teva Pharmaceutical. Subsequently, Mr. Buchi served as Corporate Vice President, Global Branded Products of Teva Pharmaceuticals Industries Ltd from 2012 to 2013. Mr. Buchi is currently on the Board of Directors of Amneal Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (NASDAQ: AMRX) and of Benitec Biopharma (NASDAQ:BNTC). Mr. Buchi has a B.A. in chemistry from Cornell University and a Masters in Management from Kellogg Graduate School of Management at Northwestern University. He is also a Certified Public Accountant.

Paul E. Miller, Ph.D.

BOARD MEMBER, CEO & FOUNDING PARTNER

Dr. Miller is the Founder and CEO of Consulting Life Sciences, a biotech consulting and brokerage firm he launched in 2007. From 2009 to 2023, he served as Co-Founder and Chief Corporate Development Officer of AnaBios Corporation, a company focused on advancing translational science through the use of primary human tissues in preclinical research. With over 40 years of experience in both science and business, Dr. Miller’s research background spans a wide range of fields, including cancer biology, immunology, protein secretion, gastrointestinal function, genomics, cardiology, pain and itch therapeutics. He also spent 20 years in the cultural arts industry before fully integrating his scientific knowledge with his business expertise in the biopharmaceutical sector. Throughout his career, Dr. Miller has led the development and commercialization of innovative services for preclinical contract research organizations (CROs), helping streamline drug discovery and safety testing—efforts that generated over $80 million in revenues.

Najah Abi Georges, Ph.D.

BOARD MEMBER, CSO & FOUNDING PARTNER

Dr. Abi Gerges has over 30 years of experience in cardiovascular research and 26 years in preclinical R&D. He is a seasoned leader in drug discovery. He spent 16 years at AstraZeneca and 10 years at AnaBios, where he currently serves as Senior Vice President of Research Alliances. Dr. Abi-Georges has authored more than 59 peer-reviewed publications and has been instrumental in developing several first-in-class therapies, including Tagrisso, Zeposia, Velsipity, and APD418. Known for his deep expertise in cardiovascular drug development and safety, he is widely respected across the pharmaceutical industry and regulatory agencies.

Cooley M. Pantazis, M.D.

BOARD MEMBER, CMO & FOUNDING PARTNER

Dr. Pantazis is a board-certified pathologist and has served as the Medical Director of Laboratory Services at Advent Health in Ocala, Florida, since 2015. Formerly, he was a tenured Associate Professor and Director of Surgical Pathology at the University of Kansas Medical Center. In 2005, he founded Hemacon Laboratories, a molecular hematopathology reference lab focused on diagnosing bone marrow and blood cancers. With over 40 years of experience in both medical practice and research, Dr. Pantazis has authored more than 75 peer-reviewed publications. His expertise includes animal cancer models, laboratory test development, and molecular cancer diagnostics, and he remains actively involved in research collaborations.

J. Kevin Buchi

M&A ADVISOR

Mr. Buchi previously served as Chief Executive Officer of BioSpecifics Technologies Corp. and of TetraLogic Pharmaceuticals Corporation. From 1991 to 2010, Mr. Buchi served as the Chief Financial Officer at Cephalon Pharmaceuticals and from 2010 to 2011 became the Chief Executive Officer to complete the $6.9 Billion acquisition of Cephalon by Teva Pharmaceutical. Subsequently, Mr. Buchi served as Corporate Vice President, Global Branded Products of Teva Pharmaceuticals Industries Ltd from 2012 to 2013. Mr. Buchi is currently on the Board of Directors of Amneal Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (NASDAQ: AMRX) and of Benitec Biopharma (NASDAQ:BNTC). Mr. Buchi has a B.A. in chemistry from Cornell University and a Masters in Management from Kellogg Graduate School of Management at Northwestern University. He is also a Certified Public Accountant.

Shashank Upadhye, J.D. LLM

IP ADVISOR

Mr. Upadhye is a partner at Upadhye Tang LLP and a nationally recognized pharmaceutical IP and FDA strategist with nearly 30 years of experience helping pharmaceutical companies maximize asset value and investor returns through integrated patent and regulatory planning. He previously served as Chief Legal/IP/FDA Counsel at Apotex, Sandoz/Novartis, and Eon Labs, where he guided numerous drug products from development through approval and commercialization, bringing deep operational and executive-level insight. Shashank specializes in designing robust patent portfolios, exclusivity strategies, and FDA regulatory pathways that enhance competitive positioning, extend franchise life, and unlock long-term enterprise value. He is the author of the leading treatise Generic Pharmaceutical Patent and FDA Law and is widely recognized as a trusted advisor to pharmaceutical companies, executives, and investors on high-stakes IP and regulatory strategy.

Peter R. Kowey, M.D.

FDA & REGULATORY ADVISOR

Dr. Kowey is a leading American cardiologist and medical researcher. He serves as Professor of Medicine and Clinical Pharmacology at Jefferson Medical College of Thomas Jefferson University and holds the William Wikoff Smith Chair in Cardiovascular Research at the Lankenau Institute for Medical Research. A recognized expert in cardiac rhythm disorders, Dr. Kowey has authored or co-authored over 400 scientific papers and received more than 150 research grants. He has played key roles in numerous clinical trials and co-edited three major textbooks on cardiac arrhythmias. Dr.Kowey is a fellow of multiple prestigious organizations, including the American Heart Association and the American College of Cardiology. He also serves on the editorial boards of Heart Rhythm Journal and the Journal of Cardiovascular Electrophysiology, and reviews manuscripts for 25 scientific journals. He has consulted for over 60 international pharmaceutical companies, chaired multiple data and safety monitoring boards, and served as an advisor to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

Cooley M. Pantazis, M.D.

CHIEF MEDICAL OFFICER & FOUNDING PARTNER

Dr. Pantazis is a board-certified pathologist and has served as the Medical Director of Laboratory Services at Advent Health in Ocala, Florida, since 2015. Formerly, he was a tenured Associate Professor and Director of Surgical Pathology at the University of Kansas Medical Center. In 2005, he founded Hemacon Laboratories, a molecular hematopathology reference lab focused on diagnosing bone marrow and blood cancers. With over 40 years of experience in both medical practice and research, Dr. Pantazis has authored more than 75 peer-reviewed publications. His expertise includes animal cancer models, laboratory test development, and molecular cancer diagnostics, and he remains actively involved in research collaborations.

Najah Abi Georges, Ph.D.

CHIEF SCIENTIFIC OFFICER & FOUNDING PARTNER

Dr. Abi Gerges has over 30 years of experience in cardiovascular research and 26 years in preclinical R&D. He is a seasoned leader in drug discovery. He spent 16 years at AstraZeneca and 10 years at AnaBios, where he currently serves as Senior Vice President of Research Alliances. Dr. Abi-Georges has authored more than 59 peer-reviewed publications and has been instrumental in developing several first-in-class therapies, including Tagrisso, Zeposia, Velsipity, and APD418. Known for his deep expertise in cardiovascular drug development and safety, he is widely respected across the pharmaceutical industry and regulatory agencies.

Paul E. Miller, Ph.D.

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER & FOUNDING PARTNER

Dr. Miller is the Founder and CEO of Consulting Life Sciences, a biotech consulting and brokerage firm he launched in 2007. From 2009 to 2023, he served as Co-Founder and Chief Corporate Development Officer of AnaBios Corporation, a company focused on advancing translational science through the use of primary human tissues in preclinical research. With over 40 years of experience in both science and business, Dr. Miller’s research background spans a wide range of fields, including cancer biology, immunology, protein secretion, gastrointestinal function, genomics, cardiology, pain and itch therapeutics. He also spent 20 years in the cultural arts industry before fully integrating his scientific knowledge with his business expertise in the biopharmaceutical sector. Throughout his career, Dr. Miller has led the development and commercialization of innovative services for preclinical contract research organizations (CROs), helping streamline drug discovery and safety testing—efforts that generated over $80 million in revenues.