RESQ pharmaceutical

About RESQ pharmaceutical

RESQ Pharmaceutical, Inc. is a biopharmaceutical company founded in 2015 by Dr. Guy Weinberg and is based in Chicago, Illinois. Dr. Weinberg, a Professor of Anesthesiology at the University of Illinois College of Medicine, invented LipidRescue Therapy (LRT) after discovering over 25 years ago that lipid emulsion infusion could counteract severe reactions to local anesthetics. His research into the mechanisms and treatment of local anesthetic toxicity formed the basis for the company's creation.

The company is focused on developing and commercializing its lead product, LipidRescue®, a lipid emulsion administered intravenously. This therapy is designed to treat life-threatening events such as Local Anesthetic Systemic Toxicity (LAST) and overdoses from other lipophilic, non-opioid drugs. The treatment works by having the infused lipid emulsion bind to the toxic drug in the bloodstream, reducing its harmful effects. While lipid emulsion infusion is an established standard of care for LAST, RESQ Pharma has developed the first kit specifically engineered for this purpose, which includes a quick reference guide for rapid administration. The product is currently investigational, as its safety and efficacy have not yet been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). In November 2024, the company announced it had received a Prescription Drug User Fee Act (PDUFA) date from the FDA for its New Drug Application (NDA). The FDA had previously granted the therapy an orphan drug designation for the treatment of LAST in 2017.

RESQ Pharma operates in the biopharmaceutical market, targeting healthcare settings where local anesthetics are used and emergency treatment for certain drug overdoses is required. The company has raised a total of $2.08 million in funding over three rounds, including a Series A round of $1.02 million in September 2020. Note that some sources indicate the company is "deadpooled," a term that can sometimes refer to companies that have been acquired, merged, or have ceased independent operations, but the company's own press releases from late 2024 suggest ongoing activity toward gaining FDA approval.