Prothelia

About Prothelia

Prothelia, Incorporated operates as a biopharmaceutical company focused on developing protein replacement therapies for rare neuromuscular disorders. Founded in 2007 by Dr. Bradley Hodges, who also serves as the Chief Scientific Officer, the company is built on a foundation of deep expertise in muscular dystrophy research. Dr. Hodges began his career as a scientist at Genzyme Corp., focusing on orphan diseases, and leveraged that experience to establish Prothelia. The company's business model centers on the research and development of therapeutic proteins designed to address conditions like merosin-deficient congenital muscular dystrophy type 1A (MDC1A) and Duchenne muscular dystrophy.

The core of Prothelia's work is its Laminin-111 protein replacement therapy, an experimental treatment for MDC1A, a severe condition caused by a deficiency of the laminin-211 protein. The patented therapy, based on the work of Dr. Dean Burkin at the University of Nevada School of Medicine, was licensed to Prothelia in 2008. This therapy aims to use a form of laminin found in embryonic tissue to substitute for the missing protein, thereby restoring structural integrity to muscles. Preclinical studies in animal models have shown that this approach can reduce muscle pathology and improve viability. The company has received grant funding from the National Institutes of Health and support from various patient advocacy groups. In 2014, Prothelia entered into a strategic agreement with Alexion Pharmaceuticals, which included an exclusive option for Alexion to acquire the company, signaling a significant milestone in its development pathway. While now listed as out of business, the company's work, under the leadership of CEO Steven Axon, progressed to finalizing manufacturing processes and initiating preclinical studies to establish safe and effective dosages for its lead candidate, rhLaminin-111.