Artesian Therapeutics

Artesian Therapeutics was a biopharmaceutical company focused on developing novel small molecule therapies for cardiovascular diseases, specifically heart failure and arrhythmias. The company's research platform targeted intracellular calcium handling and signaling pathways, including the dual inhibition of phosphodiesterase 3 and 4. This approach was designed to improve heart muscle contraction and relaxation without the increased risk of arrhythmias associated with traditional treatments. Founded on technology licensed from the National Institutes of Health and Johns Hopkins University, the company aimed to address the high mortality and morbidity of chronic heart failure. In May 2005, Artesian was acquired by Genzyme Corporation for approximately $37 million in an upfront payment plus potential milestone payments.