Inflammx Therapeutics

About Inflammx Therapeutics

Inflammx Therapeutics is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on developing treatments for inflammatory diseases by targeting the NLRP3 inflammasome pathway. Founded by Colin Green, the company's core technology was developed at the University of Auckland, New Zealand. Professor Green, the Founder and Chief Scientific Officer, has an extensive 40-year research background in ophthalmology and translational vision research. The company is led by CEO Dr. Brian Levy, who has significant experience in ophthalmic drug and device development, including leading five new drug applications to approval and commercialization. Inflammx has raised a total of $28.5 million over two funding rounds.

The company's business model is centered on the research and development of its lead product, Xiflam™, a once-daily, orally administered small molecule. This positions the company to potentially partner with or be acquired by larger pharmaceutical corporations for late-stage commercialization. A key strategic development is an option agreement with Bausch + Lomb, granting them the right to acquire Inflammx upon the achievement of specific development milestones. This agreement includes an upfront payment, along with potential regulatory and sales milestones and royalties, indicating a clear path to market.

Inflammx's primary market is patients with retinal diseases driven by chronic inflammation. The initial focus is on major ophthalmic conditions with significant unmet needs, such as the intermediate stage of Age-Related Macular Degeneration (iAMD), Diabetic Macular Edema (DME), and Geographic Atrophy (GA). The company is also exploring the therapeutic effect of Xiflam on Chronic Kidney Disease secondary to Diabetic Nephropathy. Xiflam's mechanism of action is to inhibit the dysregulated NLRP3 inflammasome by normalizing pathologically open Connexin43 (Cx43) hemichannels in cell membranes. These open channels leak ATP, triggering the inflammasome and leading to perpetuated autoinflammation. By closing these channels, Xiflam aims to stop the inflammatory cycle, offering disease modification. A significant unique selling point is its oral administration, which provides a less invasive alternative to the current standard of care—intravitreal injections—and allows for the simultaneous treatment of both eyes. The company has an ongoing Phase 2b clinical trial for DME, supported by the National Eye Institute, and is planning trials for iAMD and GA.