MetrioPharm develops first-in-class self-regulating immunomodulators, specifically the oral small molecule MP1032, which targets dysregulated mitochondrial metabolism in immune cells to provide anti-inflammatory effects without the side effects associated with high-dose corticosteroids. The company focuses on rare diseases, such as Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, where long-term corticosteroid use leads to severe adverse effects, offering a safer alternative for patients.
Funding
$121.3K 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
Long-term treatment with high-dose corticosteroids for inflammatory conditions, particularly in rare diseases like Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, often leads to severe adverse side effects. Current anti-inflammatory therapies lack effective alternatives that can minimize or eliminate these harmful side effects.
Solution
MetrioPharm is developing a novel class of self-regulating immunomodulators, led by the oral small molecule MP1032, designed to provide anti-inflammatory effects without the significant side effects associated with high-dose corticosteroids. MP1032 targets dysregulated mitochondrial metabolism in immune cells, normalizing the pathologically reprogrammed energy metabolism of inflammatory immune cells such as macrophages. Its unique mechanism of action functions as a first-in-class ROS scavenger, reducing excessive intracellular Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) without disrupting normal ROS levels essential for cell signaling. This approach offers a corticosteroid-sparing therapy with the potential to replace or supplement current standard-of-care treatments, especially in rare diseases where long-term corticosteroid use is prevalent. MP1032 has also demonstrated broad host-directed antiviral and antibacterial activity in preclinical studies.
Target Audience
The primary target audience includes patients with rare diseases, such as Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, who require long-term anti-inflammatory treatment, as well as individuals with other inflammatory conditions where corticosteroid-sparing alternatives are needed.
Features
- Oral small molecule immunomodulator targeting dysregulated mitochondrial metabolism.
- Self-regulating mechanism of action as a first-in-class ROS scavenger.
- Normalizes energy metabolism in inflammatory immune cells without immunosuppression.
- Demonstrated synergistic effects in combination with ultra-low doses of corticosteroids.
- Broad anti-inflammatory activity shown in Phase IIa clinical trials for Psoriasis and COVID-19.
- Preclinical efficacy data in Rheumatoid Arthritis, Multiple Sclerosis, Inflammatory Bowel Diseases, Sepsis and Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy.
- Host-directed antiviral and antibacterial activity in preclinical studies.