E56: Tackling the Opioid Crisis through Innovation and Partnership

Is a scientific breakthrough finally on the horizon in the battle against opioids? In this episode, we’re joined again by Greg Sturmer and Tom Jenkins of Elysium Therapeutics to discuss Elysium's groundbreaking work to develop new drug technologies aimed at curbing the opioid epidemic. 

Greg and Tom explain how a personal tragedy close to home sparked their mission to make an impact. They dive into the science behind Elysium's O2P and SOOPR technologies, designed to prevent opioid abuse and overdose while providing life-saving reversal effects. 

Don't miss this fascinating discussion on cutting-edge efforts to tackle the epidemic and the role of strategic partnerships in advancing life-saving solutions.

Here are some topics from today’s discussion:

• Elysium Therapeutics' mission and molecular engineering approach
• O2P technology for preventing opioid abuse and overdose 
• SOOPR technology providing long-acting overdose reversal
• The investment side of things

Episode Highlights:

[03:36] The Spark That Led to Their Interest in The Opioid Crisis

Greg shares how a personal tragedy in their community sparked their focus on the opioid crisis. Two children were killed after being hit by a driver under the influence of opioids, fueling their drive to make an impact. 

[06:16] How O2P Works

O2P was designed to utilize the known opioid hydrocodone, but with molecular modifications, where it only releases the drug when you swallow it and your stomach breaks it down. This prevents other ways of taking it, like snorting or injecting, and protects against overdose by limiting how much gets in your system if you take too many. Clinical tests showed that even with a huge extra dose, O2P kept people's exposure below lethal levels. Plus, it only may need once-a-day dosing instead of multiple times like other opioids, lowering the risks of misuse.

[25:01] SOOPR - Solving the Need for a Longer-Lasting Overdose Reversal Agent

When treating an opioid overdose, time is critical since the person has already stopped breathing and is becoming hypoxic. While Narcan rapidly reverses IV drugs like heroin, its short hour-long effect isn't ideal for today's long-acting fentanyl taken orally. SOOPR was designed through preclinical testing to last 5-10x longer, allowing it to fully cover fentanyl's extended danger period from oral use - a window Narcan alone can't address due to its brief lifespan. Both work fast to resuscitate overdoses, but SOOPR's prolonged protection is key to reversing modern potent synthetics.

[35:52] Investing in Elysium

Elysium Therapeutics has benefited greatly from their lead investor Mesa Verde Venture Partners, known for their strong track record in life sciences investing. Over half of Mesa Verde's portfolio companies have experienced liquidity events like acquisition or IPO, demonstrating their ability to identify promising opportunities. Mesa Verde's expertise in evaluating and supporting biotech ventures through development has provided invaluable guidance and validation to Elysium as it works to advance its important new technologies.

Resources Mentioned:

Elysium Therapeutics

Mesa Verde Venture Partners