"This award focuses on an inhaled formulation of ORP-100 for topical delivery to the lung surface, a key milestone in our preclinical development program," said Peter B. Heifetz, Ph.D., OrPro president and chief technology officer. "NIH grants are highly competitive, and our proposal received excellent reviews and scores acknowledging OrPro's strong team and innovative approach to CF therapy."
ORP-100 is a recombinant engineered variant of thioredoxin, a human lung protein that has demonstrated in laboratory studies a potent ability to increase the fluidity of mucus. Clearance of the thickened mucus that is characteristic of CF remains a central and poorly met treatment objective. ORP-100 will be administered through an advanced aerosol delivery system, and in contrast to DNA-degrading mucolytics, targets the adhesive protein gel network that is common to all patients with obstructive mucus.
"We are excited about the potential for ORP-100 to be a next-generation mucus-thinning (mucolytic) drug that will offer a convenient, safe and effective treatment alternative to the people who suffer from CF," said Jeff Raser, chief operating officer. "New therapeutic strategies to correct underlying CF defects have promise, but there still remains a critical need for superior mucolytic therapies in CF and other obstructive pulmonary diseases such as bronchiectasis."