Invirsa is developing a small molecule (INV-102) that promotes both DNA repair and the innate immune response to infection and injury. These actions lead to enhanced wound healing associated with reductions in inflammation and viral replication. INV-102 has demonstrated unprecedented efficacy in animal models of ocular sulfur mustard gas injury. Sulfur mustard is a dangerous chemical weapon, and INV-102 is the first drug to show promise in preventing its long-term effects. There is no current FDA approved therapy for this injury. In September of 2020, Invirsa received a $29.6M BARDA award ($14.4M plus $15.2M in milestones) to support the clinical development of INV-102 for the treatment of ocular sulfur mustard gas injury and other ocular injuries associated with DNA damage. The award covers development through Phase 3 clinical trials. Invirsa’s initial commercial focus for INV-102 will be infectious keratoconjunctivitis as there is no treatment for the viral form of this disease which comprises 80% of all cases. INV-102 has demonstrated clear efficacy in animal models of infectious conjunctivitis.
