Humana Research Laboratories
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Humana research laboratory (HRL) is a start-up based in Toulouse (France). Our vision is to build a Biotech specialized in the discovery and development of new drugs for the chronic respiratory pathologies (BPCO, asthma and cystic fibrosis) as well as dermatological pathologies. The CEO is Dr. Stefano Palea, experienced entrepreneur and pharmacologist. The intellectual property is based on an international patent. The project is supported by the SATT Nord. We discovered selective inhibitors of the phosphodiesterase 4B. This isoform is strongly involved in the chronic inflammation of the internal organs and the skin. The drug candidate (molecule 1056) showed a good efficacy following intranasal administration in an experimental model of lung inflammation. Our competitive advantage is based on the selectivity of 1056 versus the isoform PDE4D (30 folds). Indeed, the inhibition of this isoform is responsible for the pro-emetic activity of non-selective PDE4 inhibitors. Our primary therapeutic target is the Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). The World Health Organization considers that BPCO will be the third cause of death worldwide in 2020. In 2008, the pharmaceutical turnover for respiratory diseases was $49.2 billions (IMS source). The main actors in the respiratory arena are GSK, Boehringer Ingelheim, Merck and Co, Astra Zeneca, Actelion. These companies will be the targets favored for a transfer of our drug candidate further to positive Phase II studies.
