Our History
Although NexEos Bio was founded in 2019, its founders are industry veterans who have contributed their lives to the research of eosinophils and their effect on human biology. We have spent decades working towards the ultimate goal of finding a way to influence the impacts of eosinophils. The story of NexEos Bio is the story of those efforts.
2000
Big Pharma Begins Eosinophil Research
Big Pharma began its research into Eosinophils in the 1980s. Phase II clinical trial results failed to demonstrate an effective means to control the negative impacts of eosinophils.
The clinical studies operated with flawed patient selection methodologies and failed to demonstrate sufficient efficacy.
Though these results were disappointing on the corporate scale, some keen minds saw the potential for more. Research into the role of the eosinophil in human biology would continue.
Dr. Jerry Gleich's Career in Eosinophil Research
Gerald J. Gleich, MD has dedicated more than 5 decades to eosinophil research, focused on discovering and understanding the role of eosinophil granule proteins in disease, and building a growing body of scientific understanding of the role of the eosinophil in driving inflammatory disease. Dr. Gleich was one of the outstanding minds present for the initial clinical trials. Dr. Gleich’s work has not only led to the identification of new disorders, but also has contributed to the development of a number of therapeutic agents to treat an array of eosinophil driven conditions.
Dr. Kristin Lieferman's Commitment to Public Health
Dr. Kristin Leiferman, MD has a specialized focus on allergy-related inflammation and autoantibody expression that includes mast cell- and eosinophil-related diseases. Dr. Leiferman has collaborated with her spouse, Gerald J. Gleich, M.D. for many years with numerous co-authored publications that are critical to the science behind NexEos Bio. The “eos-verse” has widened considerably in the time they have worked together. NexEos is lucky to have her expertise surrounding the role of eosinophils in human biology, and her passion for individualized, precision care.
Dr. Kathryn Peterson's Key Contributions
Dr. Kathryn Peterson, MD, is the final piece of a heavy-hitting triumvirate of researchers that have propelled the science of NexEos Bio. In addition to being a Professor of Gastroenterology that serves as the Associate Chief for the Division of Gastroenterology at University of Utah Health, her research into eosinophils is world renowned. Notably, her work has helped explain how eosinophil-mediated proteins are distributed, contribute to Eosinophilic Esophagitis symptoms, and can be identified to support diagnosis.
Steve Tullman's Track Record of Growing Biotech
Steve Tullman was also present at initial eosinophil trials and saw the unfulfilled potential in the research. His time since then has been spent co-founding NeXeption to focus on building biotech organizations designed to identify and advance programs with significant unmet medical needs. He has served as Chairman, President and CEO of Ceptaris Therapeutics, Inc. until its acquisition by Actelion in 2013. He created Ception Therapeutics, Inc. in 2005 and served as its President and CEO until its acquisition by Cephalon, Inc. in 2010. Overall, he has built eleven biotech organizations as a Founder, Chairman, and CEO.
2019
NexEos Dx is Formed
The research by doctors Jerry Gleich, MD, Kristin Leiferman, MD, and Kathryn Peterson, MD demonstrated a convincing argument for the potential for exploring eosinophil-mediated disease further than big pharma did in the 80s and 90s. This, and a lifelong friendship and commitment to partnership between Dr. Gleich and Steve Tullman, culminated in the formation of NexEos Dx in 2019. NexEos Dx had the original goal of establishing a diagnostic tool for Eosinophilic Esophagitis (EoE), a mission is has pursued and greatly expanded upon since.
2019
NexEos Hits the Ground Running
In addition to NexEos Dx being formed, 2019 also marked the year that a license was signed with the University of Utah. Additionally, it marked the first funding round from Angel Investors and first hires for NexEos.
2020
Partners in Discovery
2020 brought about agreements signed with CMC partners to begin the process of making NexEos products a reality.
New IP was filed for new methods and composition of matter for the proprietary glycosaminoglycan that will power future NexEos products.
A U44 Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Grant was awarded by the National Institutes of Health that further validated the science that NexEos was founded on.
FDA granted Orphan Drug Designation to NDX-3315 as a diagnostic for the management of Eosinophilic Esophagitis.
Finally, the organization changed its name to NexEos Bio to better express its commitment to therapeutic programs beyond the diagnostic lens. The first therapeutic program, targeting Eosinophilic Conjunctivitis, was established as the lead.
2021
Planting the Seeds
Notable 2021 achievements for NexEos Bio included the approval of an R43 research grant from the National Institutes of Health. This grant empowered NexEos to study the proteins mediated by eosinophil activity.
Series Seed 1 financing was completed and oversubscribed for 5+ million USD.
In December, the IND for NDX-3315 was officially opened, kicking off the process of clinical study for the diagnostic agent.
2022
Onward and Upward
NexEos Bio went into contract with a Clinical Research Organization to put its planned clinical studies into motion.
Based on the findings from the NIH R43 grant, NexEos was able to file additional IP.
The Series Seed II completed, with financing again being oversubscribed.
NexEos continued to work with its CMC partners to establish its formulation and methods for manufacture to scale and propel the program forward.
2023
A Growing Portfolio
2023 has been a year of expansion for NexEos programs, including:
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The initiation of the NDX-3315 Phase 1b clinical trial.
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A successful Type C meeting where the FDA assented to NexEos introducing NDX-3324 under the existing
NDX-3315 IND. -
The continuance of the NexEos Bio Ocular Program through in vivo pre-clinical research.