NuvOx Pharma is a clinical-stage pharmaceutical company developing an oxygen therapeutic to reverse tissue hypoxia. Their drug candidate, NanO₂, aims to improve oxygen flow from the lungs to the blood and subsequently to tissues. The company is currently investigating NanO₂ in clinical trials for indications including glioblastoma and stroke.
Funding
Funding not disclosed
Founders
Product
Problem
Tissue hypoxia, a condition where cells receive insufficient oxygen, is a significant factor in the progression of numerous severe diseases. Current therapeutic approaches often struggle to effectively improve oxygen delivery from the lungs to the bloodstream and subsequently to the tissues.
Solution
NuvOx Pharma is developing NanO₂, a novel oxygen therapeutic designed to address tissue hypoxia by enhancing oxygen transport. NanO₂ is formulated as a dodecafluoropentane emulsion (DDFPe), which, upon intravenous infusion, forms nanodroplets. These nanodroplets efficiently capture oxygen in the lungs and deliver it to oxygen-deprived tissues. The active pharmaceutical ingredient is exhaled and not metabolized, indicating a favorable pharmacokinetic profile. Preclinical studies across multiple indications have demonstrated therapeutic effects, and early-stage clinical trials in stroke and oncology have yielded promising results.
Target Audience
The primary target audience includes patients suffering from conditions characterized by tissue hypoxia, such as stroke and glioblastoma, as well as healthcare providers and researchers involved in treating these diseases.
Features
- Dodecafluoropentane emulsion (DDFPe) as the active pharmaceutical ingredient, leveraging its low boiling point (29°C) for efficient gas transition at body temperature.
- Nanodroplet formulation that facilitates oxygen uptake in the lungs and targeted delivery to tissues.
- Mechanism of action focused on improving oxygen flow from lungs to blood and from blood to tissues.
- Demonstrated therapeutic effects in over 30 preclinical animal studies across seven indications.
- Clinical stage development with ongoing Phase IIb trials in glioblastoma (as a radiosensitizer) and stroke, and an upcoming Phase Ib trial for respiratory distress.
- Orphan Drug Designation granted for glioblastoma indication.
- Potential for use in a broad range of hypoxia-related conditions including stroke, glioblastoma, ARDS, cardiac arrest, traumatic brain injury, and sickle cell disease.