Immuno-modulation based
Prevention and Treatment of Heart Failure
Leveraging recent findings in cardio-immunology, we have developed a first in class immunomodulatory molecule to prevent and treat heart failure.
The problem
We are losing the fight against heart failure
• 6,000,000 Americans have heart failure
• This costs our nation >$30bn/year
• 50% of patients have a form of heart failure for which we have no treatment (HFpEF)
• Despite receiving state of the art care, each year 160,000 Americans develop heart failure after a heart attack
We need new tools to prevent and treat heart failure.
The Opportunity
B-lymphocytes as a therapeutic target
Emerging research suggests that B cell modulation could prevent heart failure after heart attacks and treat HFpEF
The Strategy
Optimize Pirfenidone, a promising B cell targeting drug with poor pharmacokinetics
FDA approved B-lymphocyte targeting drugs
Pirfenidone is an ideal starting point to develop a novel B cell modulating small molecule to prevent and treat heart failure.
The Solution
Optimize Pirfenidone through conjugation
Pirfenidone is limited by:
short half-life
CNS penetration
We eliminate the known shortcomings of Pirfenidone by adding a small PEG chain (<500 kD)
Tried and true method to extend half-life, and reduce CNS penetration of suitable small molecules
Does not reduce bioavailability after oral administration
Seeing the Light
We have identified a PEGylated Pirfenidone superior to Pirfenidone
Better tolerated
in vivo
More cardioprotective
in vivo
Composition of matter IP and multiple potential applications
Intellectual property
Patentability and FTO assessment performed by Global Patent Group, LLC
FTO cleared and path identified for broad composition of matter IP protection
Patent application filed by WashU in July 2018, key claims upheld by international searching authority
i-Cordis, LLC has exclusive option to license IP
Potential applications
Prevention of post MI heart failure
Treatment of HFpEF (see Pirouette trial)
Treatment of Muscular dystrophy associated cardiomyopathy (Orphan indication, see Pirfenidone in mdx mice)
Prevention of Post-op Afib (see Pirfenidone studies in dogs)
Prevention/treatment of Immunotherapy associated myocarditis
Treatment of Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (current application of Pirfenidone)
Etc.
Fit for the Task
Meet The Team
Douglas Mann, MD
Luigi Adamo, MD, PhD
Jennifer Riggs, PhD
Bradley Keller, PhD
Roland Dolle, PhD
Jennifer Baltz, PhD