Neumedicines Inc.
This article was originally published in Start Up
Executive Summary
Neumedicines Inc. is developing IL-12-based therapeutics to restore hematopoiesis. Its lead compound HemaMax, recombinant human IL-12, is designed to regenerate the hematopoeietic system following exposure to radiation. A second program, HemaMax-II, will likely focus initially on treating chemotherapy-induced leucopenia, neutropenia, anemia and thrombocytopenia.
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Start-Up Previews (12/2009)
A preview of the emerging health care companies profiled in the current issue of Start-Up. This month's profile group, "Bringing New Blood to the Anemia Market," features profiles of Akebia, Neumedicines and Palkion. Plus these Start-Ups Across Health Care: Aterovax, Pico-Tesla Magnetic Therapies, SpineAlign Medical, Theraclion, Virdante Pharmaceuticals and Zacharon Pharmaceuticals.
Palkion Inc.
CrystalGenomics Inc. and ProQuest Investments formed Palkion Inc. to identify and develop orally available anemia drugs that modulate the HIF prolyl hydroxylase enzyme system. Palkion is finishing up preclinical toxicology on its lead candidate for anemia associated with chronic kidney disease.
Akebia Therapeutics Inc.
Akebia Therapeutics believes that the shorter circulating half-life of its oral daily HIF-regulating compound, currently in Phase I trials, will keep it from over-stimulating EPO production, which is related to the cardiovascular and other safety issues faced by current injectable ESAs. Beyond its efforts with HIF and anemia, Akebia is also pursuing preclinical research on inhibitors of the human protein tyrosine phosphatase beta for vascular leakage.