Inflammation spin-off launched

Selvita has partnered with Epidarex Capital to fund the new venture, which will be headquartered in Edinburgh, Scotland. “Nodthera Limited has the potential to create first in class small molecule modulators of the NLRP3 inflammasome complex which could be a significant development in the field,” commented Epidarex Capital Partner Elizabeth Roper, who led the deal. 

Inflammasomes are large multiprotein complexes which assemble in a cell’s cytoplasm in response to environmental danger signals and are considered an essential part of an organism’s innate immune response. Activation of an inflammasome assembly leads to the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines, IL-1 and IL-18. Over-activation of the NRLP3 inflammasome is implicated in a wide range of diseases that are a substantial burden on modern healthcare systems such as type 2 diabetes, gout, rheumatoid arthritis, Alzheimer’s disease and cancer. 

Until recently, the NLRP3 inflammasome was considered a difficult target. However, recent advances coming from the scientific community has renewed interest in targeting the NLRP3 inflammasome. Selective inhibition of the NLRP3 inflammasome rather than its downstream cytokines holds great therapeutic potential. Nodthera aims to become a key player in developing inhibitors of this protein complex.

“We are confident that Nodthera’s therapeutic approach is exceptional and addresses an important class of intracellular receptors implicated in variety of disorders with unmet medical needs. We’re excited to work with a partner such as Nodthera, who shares our vision and belief that in drug discovery joining forces and cooperation is the key to success," said Krzysztof Brzozka, PhD, Chief Scientific Officer at Selvita.

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