NEXAGON
(lufepirsen)
A first in class, patent protected, unmodified antisense
oligonucleotide that inhibits a cell membrane
hemichannel forming protein, connexin43 (Cx43).
Cx43 is overexpressed after acute injury or in chronic
disease states leading to pathological, prematurely
opened hemichannels, allowing ATP to enter the extracellular
space. Extracellular ATP triggers and perpetuates the immune
system's inflammasome pathway releasing multiple
pro-inflammatory cytokines resulting in microvascular
breakdown, vessel leak and limbal tissue ischemia.
NEXAGON inhibits Cx43 overexpression and the
inflammatory cascade, re-establishing limbal microvasculature
and promoting regeneration of the corneal epithelium.

CLINICAL TRIALS
NEXAGON FOR PED CTI
NEX-PED-005 (NCT04081103)
The ongoing Phase 2 randomized, double-masked, vehicle controlled study evaluates NEXAGON at two doses for the treatment of corneal Persistent Epithelial Defects due to severe ocular chemical and/or thermal injuries.
Persistent Epithelial Defect due to Chemical/Thermal Injury (PED CTI) is an orphan indication and Orphan Drug Designation (ODD) has been granted by the FDA.
