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Launched in 2007 and backed by Santé Ventures, Terapio is a biopharmaceutical company developing clinical applications based on the naturally-occurring RLIP76 protein. RLIP76 is a membrane-associated cellular transport protein that is an integral part of the cell’s normal process of removing toxic metabolites formed by oxidative insults. However, in cases of elevated oxidative stress, such as occurs with exposure to radiation and chemical toxins, the endogenous RLIP76 system can be overwhelmed, leading to cell death. Supplementing cellular levels of RLIP76 through exogenous administration of Terapio’s liposomal formulation of the RLIP76 protein promotes protection by relieving this cellular stress and allows recovery by tissue cells. This mechanism of action has broad applicability to a variety of additional clinical indications, including the treatment of the toxic side effects of therapeutic radiation and chemotherapy in oncology patients and CNS diseases – a key part of Terapio’s commercial pipeline.

For biodefense applications, Terapio has accumulated a large body of data demonstrating that the protein is effective in protecting and rescuing animals exposed to otherwise lethal exposures of whole body radiation. Therefore, the company is pursuing the prevention and treatment of Acute Radiation Syndrome (ARS) as a lead indication. No effective countermeasures for ARS exist today, making this a highly unmet need.

Terapio has performed multiple 30-day survival studies with the RLIP76 protein in animal models of ARS and demonstrated that administered either before and/or after exposure to lethal doses of radiation results in greater than 90% survival of treated animals, versus 20% survival of controls.

Terapio is seeking a lead or syndicate investors to participate with Santé Ventures in Terapio’s Series B financing. Terapio plans at least $10M in Series B financing where Santé Ventures, the Series A lead investor, will participate on a pro rata basis. The use of proceeds for Series B will be primarily used for drug development, preclinical and nonclinical programs, and regulatory activities required to fund the company to the valuation inflection point associated with completing the pivotal nonhuman primate efficacy trial under the FDA Animal Rule.