MANAGEMENT: Barney Koszalka
DUKE INVENTOR: Wolfgang Liedtke
A therapeutics company developing a unique, dual acting inhibitor that targets transient receptor potential (TRP) cation channels TRPV4 and TRPA1.
TRPblue has developed small molecule antagonists that preferentially attenuate signaling of these calcium-permeable channels with proven efficacy in several acute pain and chemical denervation nerve-pain models. These inhibitors have also demonstrated anti-pruritic, anti-fibrotic and anti-inflammatory activity in relevant preclinical models. The team will develop a topically applied, highly tolerated go-to dermatology therapeutic.
THE PROBLEM:
Severe dermatitis is often treatment-resistant and taxing. When induced by chemo-therapy, it can curtail cancer treatment.
THE SOLUTION:
Powerful, systemically-acting immune-modulating drugs are used, e.g., methotrexate and cyclosporine, but are prescribed reactively and are difficult to administer and dose. Thus, they are a late line of therapy.
