Glycologix is developing a non-systemic, highly cross-linked chondroitin sulfate (CS) based biopolymer platform for soft tissue protection and repair which is focused on a broad range of unmet needs. Our platform of biopolymers mimics naturally occurring proteoglycans (PGs) and can be tailored to protect and repair specific tissue types.
PGs in human tissue perform critical biologic functions including providing hydration, barrier function, structural support, and lubrication. In nature, PGs are structured with small single-chain branches of biopolymers from the family of sulfated glycosaminoglycans, including CS. In the matrix that surrounds human cells, PGs maintain hydration and affect the activity and stability of proteins within the matrix.
Our compounds are branched, high molecular weight molecules synthetically prepared from many small single chain sulfated glycosaminoglycans.
Glycologix’s initial molecule, based on chondroitin sulfate, is the first soluble high molecular weight (>1,000 kDa) sulfated GAG material.
It mimics important features of PG structure by presenting a multi-pronged array of chains providing osmotic hydration and high affinity to biological surfaces in a way that is not possible for small single-chain GGs. Our compounds can be tailored to specific tissue types, creating multiple licensing/ strategic opportunities.
Utilizing our technology platform, therapeutic advances are possible in a number of soft tissue conditions such as:
interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome, dry eye/ophthalmic, surgical adhesion prevention, osteoarthritis, spinal disc disease, and wound repair.
Our lead indication is interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome (IC/BPS), a significant and life altering unmet medical need. IC/BPS affects as many as 10M in the US alone and lacks effective treatments. It is characterized by debilitating pain and increased urinary frequency/urgency.
With IC/BPS the bladder’s inner protective layer breaks down, allowing noxious urinary materials into the adjacent bladder tissue. Specifically, it is the loss of impermeable glycosaminoglycan barrier of urothelium.
The limited efficacy of current bladder replenishment therapy may be explained by the inability of small, single-chain biopolymers to mimic the environment of the normal urothelium. We believe that the improved mimic structure of our compounds will be significantly more effective due to increased affinity for the surface of the bladder, rendering a thick hydrated coating more similar to the natural layer of the urothelium.
Glycologix’s compounds mimic this native layer, targeting protection of the tissue and restoring the protective layer of the urothelium. An effective treatment could quickly become the new standard of care.
These compounds offer safety advantages as they are synthesized from natural compounds using well characterized and safe “linking” technology. They are also quickly and easily manufactured using widely available manufacturing materials and equipment.