Epirium Bio

About Epirium Bio

Epirium Bio is a San Diego-based biopharmaceutical startup, founded in 2008. The company initially focused on the protective effects of (-)-epicatechin against heart diseases in animal models. However, it later shifted its focus to muscle diseases, under the guidance of one of its founding scientists, Dr. Guillermo Ceballos.

In 2009, the company rebranded as Cardero Therapeutics, Inc., with Dr. George Schreiner joining as CEO and Dr. Sundeep Dugar as the consulting head of medicinal chemistry. The company conducted seven clinical trials on muscle diseases, showing positive results.

Cardero Therapeutics was successful in identifying and manufacturing (+)-epicatechin, a variant of (-)-epicatechin, and linking its mechanism of action to epindralol, a novel human mitochondrial hormone. The company was awarded patents for its new chemical entities, their use in muscle and mitochondrial disorders, and their manufacturing methods.

In 2019, the company rebranded again as Epirium Bio under the leadership of Russell J. Cox, who raised $85M in Series A funding. Epirium Bio is now focused on developing therapies for patients with unmet medical needs. In 2020, the company announced the commencement of its Phase 1 clinical trial in Becker muscular dystrophy of EPM-01, a novel, oral, synthetic compound that has shown promise in preclinical trials.

Epirium Bio operates in the biopharmaceutical market, serving patients with muscle and mitochondrial disorders. Its business model revolves around the research, development, and commercialization of novel therapies. The company generates revenue through the sale of its patented therapies and funding from investors.