Naegis Pharmaceuticals Inc.

Developing proprietary inhibitors of leukotriene synthesis (LTSIs) for treatment of Uveitis with potential for superior efficacy and better side effect profile – Proprietary molecules within the company’s portfolio (e.g. N0550) inhibit the 5-lipoxygenase (5-LO) enzyme and have potential to be safer and more effective than existing leukotriene modifiers. The only currently marketed 5-LO inhibitor (which is approved for asthma) is associated with significant side effects which limits its market uptake.

Developing proprietary compounds that target LTA4H for treatment of COPD with a superior efficacy and side effect profile – Major chemotactic factors in patients with COPD are molecules called LTB4 and PGP which are both regulated by an enzyme called LTA4H. Clinical data published in May 2014 links aberrations in the LTA4H pathway with COPD. Currently no therapies that target this pathway are approved for COPD patients in any region. The Company is developing compounds targeting LTA4H to block the production of LTB4 while promoting the intrinsic anti-inflammatory function of the enzyme through break down of PGP. If successfully developed, a product with this profile will be the first in its class.

Naegis is developing novel, regulators of leukotriene pathways for serious inflammatory conditions. Naegis has developed compounds that impact specific enzymes, namely 5-lipoxygenase (5-LO) and leukotriene-A4 hydrolase (LTA4H). These enzymes are critical to both the production of pro-inflammatory leukotrienes and to the promotion of intrinsic anti-inflammatory mechanisms. These targets are believed to play a role in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), and ocular inflammation (e.g. Uveitis), serious disease conditions for which there are few effective treatment options.

Source: ICNW