NexEos Bio is targeting the neutralization of a pregnancy-associated cationic protein that we believe is implicated in essential uterine-placental interactions including initiation of smooth-muscle contractions in labor.
Through the use of our proprietary monoclonal antibodies and novel chemical entities capable of detecting and neutralizing cationic proteins, NexEos Bio Maternal Health seeks to inhibit uterine smooth muscle contractions and stop, slow, or delay preterm labor, allowing for full term birth.
NexEos has highly supportive nonclinical data and is moving towards a primate study that would attain a significant proof-of-concept milestone, potentially identifying the lead drug candidate for clinical development.
NexEos Bio Maternal Health has detected our target, the pregnancy-associated cationic protein implicated in smooth muscle contractions, in its preclinical experiments analyzing 45 plasma and serum specimens from women in labor and in placentae.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), an estimated 13.4 million babies were born preterm worldwide in 2020 (WHO, 2023). Preterm birth is the leading cause of death in children under 5 years of age globally, responsible for approximately 900,000 deaths each year. Survivors of preterm birth are at increased risk for lifelong disabilities, including cerebral palsy, developmental delays, vision and hearing problems, and chronic diseases such as diabetes and cardiovascular conditions (CDC, 2023). The degree of disability is a function of the degree of prematurity, highlighting the need for early intervention.