Acceleron Pharma
Acceleron Pharma was a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company that developed Winrevair (sotatercept), a first-in-class therapy for pulmonary arterial hypertension. Acquired by Merck for $11.5 billion in 2021, it no longer operates as a standalone entity.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2004
- HeadquartersCambridge, United States
- Headcount101–250
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingHardware or Manufacturing
What Acceleron Pharma does
Acceleron Pharma was a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company founded in 2004 and headquartered in Cambridge, Massachusetts, that developed novel biotherapeutics targeting pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) and fibrotic diseases. The company's lead asset was Winrevair (sotatercept), a first-in-class therapeutic targeting alveolar epithelial type 2 cells to repair and reverse fibrotic damage in lung tissue. In Phase 3 ZENITH trials, Winrevair demonstrated a 76% reduction in major morbidity and mortality risk in high-risk PAH patients, establishing a differentiated mechanism of action in the pulmonary therapeutic space. The company was acquired by Merck & Co. for $11.5 billion in 2021 as part of Merck's strategy to offset the impending exclusivity loss of its flagship drug Keytruda and expand its cardiometabolic and respiratory portfolio.
Following the acquisition, Acceleron no longer operates as a standalone entity, and Winrevair is commercialized through Merck's established global pharmaceutical distribution network spanning specialty pharmacies, hospital channels, and retail pharmacy networks. Winrevair generated $525 million in Q1 2025 sales with 12% sequential quarterly growth and is projected to reach $6.1 billion in annual sales by 2030, positioning it as a key growth driver for Merck's post-Keytruda portfolio. The company had raised approximately $1.3 billion across multiple funding rounds from 2004 through 2020, with strategic backing from Celgene and leading biotech-focused venture capital firms including Flagship Pioneering, OrbiMed, Polaris Partners, and Bessemer Venture Partners.
The business model centered on developing biotherapeutic candidates through clinical trials to regulatory approval, then commercializing either independently or through strategic partnerships. Acceleron's patient segment was narrowly defined as WHO Group 1 pulmonary arterial hypertension patients requiring therapeutic intervention, a specialty population with high unmet medical need. Post-acquisition, all revenue and commercial activity flows through Merck, and former Acceleron executives have subsequently founded adjacent ventures including Oorja Bio, backed by Westlake BioPartners with $30 million in Series A financing, to extend the fibrotic disease research platform into new independent entities.
Acceleron Pharma firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Acceleron Pharma
- Website
- https://acceleronpharma.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2004
- Operating status
- Acquired
- Headcount range
- 101–250 employees
- Short description
- Acceleron Pharma was a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company that developed Winrevair (sotatercept), a first-in-class therapy for pulmonary arterial hypertension. Acquired by Merck for $11.5 billion in 2021, it no longer operates as a standalone entity.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Acceleron Pharma industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Pulmonary Hypertension Therapeutics
- NAICS
- Biological Product (except Diagnostic) Manufacturing (325414), Pharmaceutical Preparation Manufacturing (325412)
- SIC
- Pharmaceutical Preparations (2834), Biological Products, (No Disgnostic Substances) (2836)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Pulmonary Hypertension & Rare Pulmonary Disease Therapies (HLAIAIAG)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Pulmonology & Allergy Specialty Pharmaceuticals (HLAIACAF), Cardiometabolic Pharmaceuticals (Cardiovascular/Diabetes/Obesity) (HLAIAAAE)
Keywords
Where Acceleron Pharma is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Cambridge
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Markets served
Acceleron Pharma business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Hardware or Manufacturing
- Cost components
- Personnel, Technology or R&D, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Supply Chain
Distribution channels1 record
Acceleron Pharma product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Acceleron Pharma is a biopharmaceutical company that develops and commercializes novel biotherapeutics targeting pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) and serious rare diseases. The company's lead product, Winrevair (sotatercept), is a first-in-class activin signaling inhibitor approved for the treatment of adults with PAH.
Product overview
Acceleron Pharma was a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on developing therapies for pulmonary and hematologic diseases. The company's lead product was Winrevair (sotatercept), a therapy for pulmonary arterial hypertension. Acceleron Pharma was acquired by Merck in 2021 for $11.5 billion. As an independent entity, Acceleron operated with a single-product focus prior to acquisition, with its portfolio and pipeline now integrated into Merck's cardiometabolic and respiratory diseases research area.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- Winrevair (sotatercept) Winrevair is a fusion protein therapeutic indicated for the treatment of adult patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). It is administered as a subcutaneous injection and is used in combination with standard PAH background therapy. The product targets the activin signaling pathway, addressing an underlying cause of PAH rather than just vasodilation.
Quantifiable outcome
- 76% reduction in major morbidity and mortality risk in high-risk PAH patients
- +2 more outcomes
Companies that use Acceleron Pharma
Customer profileSegments1 record
Ideal customer profiles1 record
Acceleron Pharma technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed Yes
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature1 record
Acceleron Pharma partnerships and signals
Strategic signalScale indicators3 records
Recent moves5 records
Expansion highlights4 records
Acceleron Pharma competitors and assessment
Company assessmentBroad incumbents
- Pfizer: Pfizer markets Revatio (sildenafil citrate) for PAH and has a broad cardiovascular/pulmonary franchise. As a broad incumbent, it competes in earlier-line PAH treatment where Winrevair may be added on top.
- Roche: Roche operates in the broader respiratory and pulmonary hypertension space and has historically participated in PAH therapeutics (e.g., through Actelion-adjacent assets). As a global biopharmaceutical incumbent, it represents indirect competitive pressure.
- Bayer AG: Bayer markets Adempas (riociguat), the only approved sGC stimulator for PAH and CTEPH. As a broad pharmaceutical incumbent with prior Bayer leadership at Acceleron, it represents an established PAH therapy competitor.
- Bristol Myers Squibb: BMS operates in cardiopulmonary disease and has historical commercial capability in cardiovascular therapeutics. As a broad incumbent, it represents potential competition for franchise-level specialty pharma positioning in PAH.
- Janssen Pharmaceuticals (Johnson & Johnson): Janssen markets Opsumit (macitentan), Tracleer (bosentan), and Uptravi (selexipag) — the leading ERA and prostacyclin therapies for PAH. As a large incumbent, Janssen competes across multiple PAH lines of therapy where Winrevair is positioned.
Direct peers
- Liquidia Technologies: Liquidia is advancing YUTREPIA, an inhaled dry-powder treprostinil for PAH and PH-ILD. It is a direct functional competitor to Winrevair in PAH with improved delivery technology and partial overlap in indication.
- United Therapeutics: United Therapeutics is the leading specialty PAH company with Tyvaso (inhaled treprostinil), Remodulin, and Orenitram. It is the most direct competitor to Winrevair in the PAH space, serving the same patient population with prostacyclin-class therapies.
Emerging players
- Gossamer Bio: Gossamer Bio is developing seralutinib (inhaled tyrosine kinase inhibitor) for PAH. As an emerging PAH-focused biotech with a novel inhaled mechanism, it represents partial overlap with the Winrevair franchise.
- Aerovate Therapeutics: Aerovate is developing inhaled imatinib for PAH, an emerging targeted therapy addressing vascular remodeling. Its mechanism and indication directly intersect with Winrevair's therapeutic space.
- Pulnovo Medical: Pulnovo Medical is a China-based emerging company developing pulmonary hypertension therapies, including pulsed electric field ablation for PAH. It represents an emerging regional/international competitor in the broader PAH treatment space.
Market position
Strengths4 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat4 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights6 records
Customer concentration
Acceleron Pharma social profiles
Digital presenceAcceleron Pharma financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Acceleron Pharma leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Acceleron Pharma funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds15 records
Investors11 records
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Acceleron Pharma M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Acceleron Pharma
What does Acceleron Pharma do?
Acceleron Pharma is a biopharmaceutical company that develops and commercializes novel biotherapeutics targeting pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) and serious rare diseases. The company's lead product, Winrevair (sotatercept), is a first-in-class activin signaling inhibitor approved for the treatment of adults with PAH.
Is Acceleron Pharma a public or private company?
Acceleron Pharma is a private company. It is classified as corporate owned and is currently acquired.
When was Acceleron Pharma founded?
Acceleron Pharma was founded in 2004. It employs 101 to 250 people.
Where is Acceleron Pharma based?
Acceleron Pharma is headquartered in Cambridge, United States, in the North America region.
Who are Acceleron Pharma's main competitors?
Broad incumbents on record are Pfizer, Roche, Bayer AG, Bristol Myers Squibb and Janssen Pharmaceuticals (Johnson & Johnson). Direct peers are Liquidia Technologies and United Therapeutics. Emerging players are Gossamer Bio, Aerovate Therapeutics and Pulnovo Medical.
Does Acceleron Pharma have an API?
No public API is recorded for Acceleron Pharma.
What industry is Acceleron Pharma in?
Acceleron Pharma's product category is Pulmonary Hypertension Therapeutics. Its primary akta.pro industry code is HLAIAIAG, Pulmonary Hypertension & Rare Pulmonary Disease Therapies, with a secondary code of HLAIACAF, Pulmonology & Allergy Specialty Pharmaceuticals. Its NAICS code is 325414 and its SIC code is 2834.