MetrioPharm

MetrioPharm AG is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical development company focused on therapies for acute and chronic inflammatory diseases. MetrioPharm is developing a novel class of self-regulating immunomodulators targeting activated macrophages and inflamed tissues. MetrioPharm's lead compound MP1032 acts at the top of the inflammation cascade, where elevated levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) trigger cellular oxidative stress and thereby a variety of disease processes. MP1032 is a novel small molecule ROS scavenger. As a first-in-class immunomodulator, MP1032 does not suppress the immune system. The molecule targets cellular oxidative stress and thereby reduces inflammatory markers such as TNF-alpha, IL-6, IL-12, while ROS are maintained at physiological levels essential for normal cellular function. Due to its molecular structure, MP1032 is only activated when it is exposed to elevated levels of ROS. The molecule then changes from its inert state (inactive) to a deprotonated form (activated). This activated form of MP1032 has pronounced immunomodulatory properties and neutralizes only excess levels of ROS. Thus, the effect of MP1032 remains limited to the site of inflammation. MP1032 has demonstrated broad anti-inflammatory and anti-infective properties as well as an excellent safety profile in preclinical and clinical studies. Currently, MetrioPharm is conducting a Phase II clinical trial in COVID-19 patients. MetrioPharm AG is headquartered in Zurich and has a subsidiary for R&D activities in Berlin.