Oct. 22, 2025 — Basking Biosciences, a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company developing the first reversible thrombolytic therapy for acute ischemic stroke (AIS), recently announced the first patients dosed in Part B of its Phase 2 RAISE trial of BB-031. BB-031 is an investigational RNA aptamer targeting von Willebrand Factor (vWF), a key mediator of clot formation and stabilization. By promoting clot dissolution and restoring blood flow to the brain, BB-031, along with its complementary rapid-acting reversal agent, BB-025, has the potential to significantly expand access to timely, effective treatment for patients with AIS.
Progression into Part B, supported by encouraging early results from Part A and the recommendation of the Data Safety Monitoring Committee (DSMC), triggered the release of the second $27.5 million tranche of the company’s $55 million financing. First announced in January 2024, the financing is led by ARCH Venture Partners, with participation from Insight Partners, Platanus, Solas BioVentures, RTW, Longview Ventures, and others. The new funds will support the execution of Part B of the Phase 2 RAISE trial and a planned Phase 1 study of BB-025.
Basking also announced the appointment of Julia C. Owens, Ph.D., as chief executive officer. Dr. Owens brings extensive leadership experience in biopharmaceutical company building and drug development, having served as CEO of Ananke Therapeutics and founder and CEO of Millendo Therapeutics. She has held board roles at both emerging and publicly traded companies and currently serves on the board of Biotechnology Innovation Organization (BIO) and other organizations. As CEO, Julia will focus on steering the company as it enters a new stage of growth. Richard Shea, who has served as Basking’s CEO since the company’s founding in 2019, will transition to president and chief operating officer, ensuring leadership continuity and a sustained focus on Basking’s track record of operational excellence as the company advances into later-stage clinical development.
“Basking’s innovative science, its unparalleled dedication to the stroke community, and the caliber of its existing leadership drove my interest in joining the team,” said Julia C. Owens, Ph.D., chief executive officer of Basking Biosciences. “As I deepen my understanding of thecompany and its science, I’m energized to partner with the leadership team to build on encouraging Phase 2a results and realize the potential of BB-031 to reshape stroke care.”
“Despite progress in care, most patients with acute ischemic stroke remain ineligible for currently approved therapies, underscoring the need for new approaches,” said Shahid M. Nimjee, M.D., Ph.D., co-founder and chief medical officer of Basking Biosciences, and Professor of Neurosurgery and Surgical Director of the Comprehensive Stroke Center at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center. “Our commitment is to change that by advancing BB-031 through Phase 2b and beyond, to deliver a therapy that expands access and addresses this critical gap in stroke care.”
For more information, visit www.baskingbiosciences.com.
October 28, 2025 
