ChanRx Corp.
Repurposing a molecule to control heart rate and rhythm
This article was originally published in Start Up
Executive Summary
Like many a start-up before it, ChanRx Corp. aims to repurpose a compound discovered by others for a new use. Unlike most repurposing efforts, however, this compound, called vanoxerine, has never actually been approved as a drug. Although it has thrice been taken into Phase I trials that yielded acceptable safety data, the compound showed no efficacy for treatment of Parkinson’s disease, depression or cocaine addiction. Noting that vanoxerine could influence muscle that beats rapidly, the start-up is developing it as an oral treatment for atrial fibrillation.