This company develops small molecule lipids, specifically oxysterols, to treat cancers and bone disorders. Their compounds stimulate bone growth and inhibit cancer cell growth and metastasis, offering potential treatments for pancreatic cancer, breast cancer, and hematologic malignancies.
Funding
Funding not disclosed
Founders
Product
Problem
Current treatments for bone disorders and certain cancers often have limitations, including high costs, safety concerns, and incomplete efficacy. In spine fusion, existing bone graft materials may lead to failed fusions, donor-site pain, or ectopic bone formation. Similarly, non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) lacks FDA-approved therapies that effectively target the multiple drivers of the disease.
Solution
MAX BioPharma is developing small molecule lipids, specifically semi-synthetic oxysterols, to address unmet needs in bone regeneration, fibrotic diseases, and cancer. Their Oxysterol Therapeutics® platform leverages the ability of oxysterols to modulate key cellular signaling pathways, such as Hedgehog, TGF-β, and Toll-Like Receptor (TLR) pathways. Their lead candidates include OxyFuse-133®, an osteoinductive device for spine fusion, and Oxy210, an orally bioavailable drug for NASH. These compounds offer potential advantages over existing treatments, including improved safety profiles, cost-effectiveness, and the ability to target multiple disease mechanisms.
Target Audience
The primary target audiences include orthopedic surgeons and neurosurgeons performing spine fusions, as well as hepatologists and gastroenterologists treating patients with NASH and related metabolic disorders.
Features
- OxyFuse-133® (Oxy133): An oxysterol-based investigational device that stimulates bone formation by targeting mesenchymal stem cells and activating the Hedgehog signaling pathway.
- Oxy133 is a small molecule, easily manufactured, shelf-stable, and allosterically activates Hedgehog signaling, avoiding overstimulation.
- Demonstrated robust bone formation in animal models of spine fusion and bone defect healing.
- Oxy210: An orally bioavailable oxysterol-based drug candidate with anti-fibrotic and anti-inflammatory properties for NASH treatment.
- Oxy210 inhibits TGF-β and Hedgehog signaling in hepatic stellate cells and TLR signaling in macrophages.
- Showed significant inhibition of liver inflammation and fibrosis in a preclinical humanized mouse model of NASH, along with cholesterol-lowering effects.
- Oxysterols with antiviral properties that inhibit hepatitis B virus internalization and SARS-CoV-2 infection in vitro.