Developed as a Mass Casualty Solution
Captura Biopharma was founded by Michael Geranen and Anthony Soscia based on research performed at the University of North Carolina. Captura is located in Little Rock, AR and it’s lead product, C2E2, has been funded by grants from the National Institutes of Health and private investors.
An Investigational New Drug Application (IND) was submitted for the lead program, C2E2, in June of 2017 and will commence Phase 1 clinical testing as soon as possible pending financing. C2E2’s initial indication is as a decorporation agent to be given to individuals that have been exposed to radiation, such as may occur in a nuclear power accident or detonation of a “dirty bomb”. C2E2 would be the first oral agent developed for this indication and the only agent suitable for a mass casualty situation.
Development of C2E2 for radiation exposure will follow FDA’s Animal Rule which permits efficacy studies to be done in animals rather than the typical Phase II and Phase III clinical studies required for registration of drug products. Secondary indications for C2E2 are the treatment of heavy metal toxicity (e.g. lead poisoning) and potentially Gadolinium toxicity, which is under study by FDA, and related to the repeated use of contrast agents during Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) procedures.