Function Therapeutics develops PARmodulins, a novel class of anti-inflammatory medications that modulate Protease-Activated Receptor signaling to target chronic inflammation. These medications offer a precise therapeutic alternative for conditions where conventional anti-inflammatory treatments are ineffective.
Funding
$75K raised to dateRaised to date based on public sources. This may differ from the amount the company actually raised and is based only on what is publicly available on the internet.
Founders
Product
Problem
Current treatments for chronic inflammation are often ineffective in specific conditions, leaving a significant unmet need for precise therapeutic alternatives. Inflammatory responses driven by protease-activated receptors (PARs) contribute to various diseases, including kidney disease, acute kidney injury, and other disorders, but lack targeted therapies. Existing drugs for chronic kidney disease are unable to reverse renal damage, and there are no FDA-approved drugs to prevent acute kidney injury or sepsis.
Solution
Function Therapeutics develops PARmodulins, a novel class of anti-inflammatory medications designed to selectively modulate Protease-Activated Receptor (PAR) signaling. These small molecules can block certain aspects of inflammation while promoting anti-inflammatory signals mediated by PAR1. By targeting PAR signaling, Function Therapeutics aims to dampen inflammation and increase protective signaling in diseases with high unmet medical needs. Preclinical investigations are underway to develop optimal parmodulins to safely treat a range of inflammation-driven diseases, including chronic kidney disease and acute kidney injury.
Target Audience
The primary target audience includes individuals suffering from chronic kidney disease, acute kidney injury, and other inflammation-driven diseases, as well as medical professionals seeking targeted therapies for these conditions.
Features
- PARmodulins selectively block certain aspects of inflammation while promoting anti-inflammatory signals mediated by PAR1.
- First-generation PAR1-targeting compound (parmodulin) ML161 has shown effectiveness in improving kidney function in a mouse model of diabetic nephropathy.
- Next-generation parmodulins are slated for advanced preclinical studies to validate biased ligands of PAR1 for improving kidney function in patients suffering from acute or chronic kidney disease.
- Preclinical investigations are underway for using PAR1-targeting parmodulins to protect kidney cells and prevent AKI during inflammatory conditions, such as those present during bypass surgery or severe infection.