Aeromics develops AER‑271, an intravenously administered small‑molecule inhibitor of aquaporin‑4 that blocks water influx at the blood‑brain barrier to prevent cerebral edema in acute ischemic stroke. The drug is formulated for rapid infusion in the hyper‑acute window and is currently in a biomarker‑driven Phase II trial targeting large hemispheric infarction, with potential expansion to other neuro‑edema conditions.
Funding
Funding not disclosed
Founders
Product
Problem
Cerebral edema following acute ischemic stroke contributes significantly to morbidity and mortality, often necessitating invasive interventions such as decompressive craniectomy. Current therapies address downstream consequences rather than the underlying fluid accumulation, leaving a critical gap in early edema control. Similar fluid‑related complications arise in spinal cord injury, CNS surgery, and brain tumors, where rapid swelling worsens outcomes.
Solution
Aeromics is developing AER‑271, an intravenously administered small‑molecule inhibitor of aquaporin‑4 (AQP4), the principal water channel at the blood‑brain barrier. By selectively blocking AQP4‑mediated water influx, AER‑271 aims to prevent or arrest cerebral edema at the onset of an ischemic event, thereby improving survival and functional recovery. The drug is designed for rapid IV infusion in the hyper‑acute stroke window, enabling integration into existing emergency protocols without additional procedural steps. Early-phase clinical data demonstrate favorable pharmacokinetics, safety, and target engagement, supporting progression to a Phase II efficacy trial in patients with large hemispheric infarction. Successful validation would establish a first‑in‑class therapeutic that addresses a major unmet need in neurocritical care and could be extended to other edema‑prone neurological indications.
Target Audience
Primary customers are neuro‑intensive care units, stroke centers, and academic neurology departments conducting clinical trials, as well as pharmaceutical partners seeking to co‑develop edema‑targeted therapeutics.
Features
- High‑affinity, reversible inhibition of AQP4 with nanomolar potency, confirmed in vitro and in vivo
- Intravenous formulation optimized for rapid delivery and immediate plasma exposure in the acute stroke setting
- Selective targeting of the BBB‑localized AQP4 isoform to minimize off‑target water transport in peripheral tissues
- IND‑cleared clinical development pathway with completed Phase I safety and tolerability assessment
- Biomarker‑driven Phase II trial design incorporating MRI‑based edema quantification and functional outcome scales
- Scalable GMP manufacturing process enabling consistent batch quality and supply for multi‑center studies
- Integrated companion diagnostic strategy to identify patients at high risk for large‑volume cerebral swelling