Pipeline

The pulmonary mucus membrane is an evolutionary defense system which traps pathogens and particulates, but also ensnares drug-loaded delivery systems such as lipid nanoparticles (LNPs). It is currently not possible to deliver sensitive cargo such as genetic medicines directly through the lungs. Traditional medicines such as anti-inflammatory drugs have to be administered in very high doses in this environment, leading to adverse outcomes and toxicity. Phoreus is investigating the delivery of anti-inflammatory medicines using PNPs, which have been shown to pass through dense mucus layers. This affords the potential to enable localized delivery in diseases like Cystic Fibrosis (CF) and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)

Approximately 75% of emerging infectious diseases in humans are zoonotic, spread from an animals host. From COVID to avian flu, zoonotic diseases carry a substantial health and economic burden. mRNA-based vaccines hold extraordinary promise against zoonotic disease since they can be utilized to promote the generation of antibodies that target these viruses —but that promise hinges on effective delivery. LNPs and viral vectors are plagued by low bioavailability, short shelf life, rapid degradation, poor endosomal escape and frequently require freezing or specialized storage—significantly constraining their clinical and commercial utility. Phoreus is developing a form of PNP which stabilizes, protects and carries avian flu mRNA prophylactic cargo from the moment of formulation through intracellular delivery. Program features include high thermostability, resistance to enzymatic degradation, less risk of immune detection and customizable surface features.