Companies To Watch: Synspira

By Wayne Koberstein, Executive Editor, Life Science Leader
Follow Me On Twitter @WayneKoberstein

Fighting lung infection, inflammation, and congestion in the new glycomics space.

Synspira is developing glycopolymer drugs for infection, inflammation, and congestion in the lungs. The inhaled drugs are designed to enhance or restore the protective, antimicrobial properties of the glycocalyx, a layer of sugar molecules coating cells, an important constituent of mucus, and the first defensive barrier of innate immunity. When the glycocalyx is damaged or disrupted, harmful bacteria thrive and form obstructive biofilms involved in multiple maladies. The company’s products appear to help kill bacteria, break up the biofilm for the lungs to expel, and thereby increase antibiotic effectiveness.