Hillhurst Biopharmaceuticals

La Crescenta-Montrose, CA

Hillhurst has created technology that allows low-dose carbon monoxide to be used therapeutically (CO). Their medicines that arise target a protective cellular metabolic system of heme oxygenase, that is hypothesized to reduce inflammatory processes, prevent cell death, and stop hemoglobin polymerization in sickle cell disease. Despite overwhelming evidence of CO's potential efficacy as a therapy, it has not been commercially feasible to dose carbon monoxide. The methods of administration that have been tried, such as breathing CO and CO bound to a carrier like co releasing molecules/CORMS and CO prodrugs, have significant drawbacks. These hurdles for inhaled co include caregiver inhalation exposure due to the need for pressurized co gas cylinders and imprecise dosing.