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Connexin Therapeutics Ltd. is a UK-based biopharmaceutical company specializing in the discovery and development of drugs targeting connexins, initially for the prevention of vision loss and blindness associated with the eye disease known as glaucoma. While there are a variety of glaucoma subtypes, a common hallmark is the progressive loss of vision due to the gradual cell death in the retina and optic nerve triggered by elevated intraocular pressure. Many drugs are available to reduce intraocular pressure, yet none have been shown to directly protect cells in the retina or optic nerve, and hence prevent them from dying. Thus, vision loss inevitably occurs, even in well-treated patients, and severe vision impairment remains common in these patients.
For 20+ years, our scientific co-founder, Dr. Stewart Bloomfield, has researched and published extensively on the connexin-mediated mechanisms by which elevated intraocular pressure causes cell death in the retina and optic nerve, resulting in vision loss. His research has demonstrated three key points:

1. Retinal and optic nerve cell death is mediated by the bystander effect, which, in turn, mediated by a protein called connexin 36; and

2. Inhibition of connexin 36 prevents further loss of vision in glaucoma; and

3. This inhibition can be achieved using a small molecule drug.

Thus, our goal at Connexin Therapeutics is to develop and partner novel compounds which block connexin 36, thereby preserving vision and potentially preventing blindness in patients with glaucoma. Importantly, glaucoma patients with either elevated or normal intraocular pressure will benefit from retinal neuro-protectants, even in the presence of aggressive attempts to reduce intraocular pressure via drugs or surgery. Other ophthalmic diseases which may benefit from connexin inhibition include subtypes of glaucoma (i.e., normotensive glaucoma), retinitis pigmentosa, and the prevention of corneal scarring secondary to eye surgery. These are indications which may be pursued as the company grows.
In addition to our work with connexin 36 in glaucoma, we may have an opportunity to discover and develop a novel connexin 45 inhibitor. Preliminary work from our laboratory suggests that inhibiting connexin 45 has protective benefits in a range of ischemic ophthalmic conditions, such as diabetic retinopathy. Thus, we have the opportunity to advance two programs from the current round of financing into full development or even licensing.
Interest from multinational pharmaceutical companies in novel compounds to treat ophthalmic conditions is extraordinarily high, as these companies recognize that the rapidly aging population, coupled with significant unmet needs and favorable reimbursement policies, all make for attractive licensing opportunities for companies like Connexin Therapeutics. Thus, we anticipate initiating licensing discussions with pharmaceutical companies as novel connexin inhibitors emerge from our efforts.
Connexin Therapeutics raised ~£150,000 in Seed financing in early 2019. These funds are being used to synthesize and test novel small molecules in animal models of glaucoma. These compounds are based on a molecule which has already demonstrated efficacy in mouse models of glaucoma. Thus, these data supplement and extend the work already published.
We are currently raising ~£2,000,000 to optimize our lead compounds. After ~8-10 quarters of work we anticipate having a library of patentable compounds which are highly selective for connexin 36, backed by primate data. We will have a second compound which inhibits connexin 45 for diabetic retinopathy. Future financing rounds will take one or both leads into clinical trials, while also fueling our expansion into other indications with this same mechanism of action.

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   Glenpharma AB is a small privately owned research spin-off from Pfizer-Pharmacia, formed in Sweden in 2002 to exploit novel technology patented by its founders. 

We offer patented synergistic combinations of biopolymers for 

a) accelerated repair of acute tendon /ligament injuries in human applications ( such as sprained ligaments / tendons in shoulder, elbow, knee, ankle, etc , in both sports injury scenarios and in the elderly ) , or in veterinary indications (e.g. high performance horses) .  The product accelerates healing at least 3 times faster than the normal healing process. 

b) for prevention of unwanted adhesions between tissues after major thoracic, abdominal , fertility or orthopedic surgery. In studies on prevention of difficult adhesions after cardiac surgery, for example, adhesion scores were < 10% of those in control groups.

c) for effective control of acute pain in advanced joint disease (osteo-arthritis (OA)  .  Clinical documentation in advanced OA indicates that onset of pain relief is much faster and of longer duration than current standards for viscosupplementation. 

Each of the above biopolymer "viscous fluid implants" are also ideal drug delivery media for treatment of ancillary complications.

All component biopolymers are well documented APIs, i.e. without the toxicty and other regulatory issues generally associated with "New Chemical Entities".  Glenpharma´s current patent protection covers most major international markets including USA, Europe and P R China.

Glenpharma is primarily seeking Chinese partners for out-licensing within the fields of orthopedics or major surgery.. If neccessary , we can offer contract-manufacturing options in Europe if not available in China. 

VISEN Pharmaceuticals, headquartered in Shanghai, China, is committed to the treatment of endocrine-related disease, introducing the world’s leading treatment methods and drugs into the China market, benefiting Chinese patients while unleashing product potential.

VISEN Pharmaceuticals (VISEN) was formed by Ascendis Pharma A/S (Nasdaq: ASND) and an investor syndicate led by Vivo Capital (along with participation by Sofinnova Ventures), to develop and commercialize Ascendis Pharma’s endocrinology rare disease therapies in Greater China. The pipeline of VISEN covers pediatric endocrinology, adult endocrinology, and rare disease. VISEN management team has extensive experience in the development and commercialization of endocrine disease products in Greater China. VISEN has a deep understanding of unmet medical needs in Chinese patients and is actively expanding its pipeline through in-licensing and partnership.