Elysium Therapeutics Raises $7.5M to Advance Opioid Overdose Reversal Tech

Elysium Therapeutics has completed a $7.5 million funding round to accelerate development of its opioid overdose reversal technology. Named SOOPR (Synthetic Opioid Overdose Protection and Reversal), it is designed specifically as a rescue treatment for synthetic opioid overdoses.

Namely, this includes fentanyl, but also the emerging threat of more potent nitazenes, according to Elysium. In stating its mission, Elysium says it is a biopharmaceutical company developing treatments to prevent and reverse these overdoses. This especially applies, the company says, to highly potent synthetic opioids ingested orally.

Elysium CEO Talks Impact

Elysium Therapeutics CEO Greg Sturmer said with the funds in place, the company can address the deadly opioid overdose epidemic.

Sturmer said Elysium will “progress our SOOPR technology through preclinical and clinical studies as we develop this important, life-saving technology.”

He added that “far too many overdose fatalities” are still happening in today’s society. Because of that, he has high hopes for SOOPR.

“[It] has enormous potential to become the new standard for rescue, and as a countermeasure” to illicit dealers, Sturmer said.

Opioid Overdose Reversal Specs

To define SOOPR, Elysium said the technology is a rapid-onset, long-acting rescue agent, utilizing a proprietary naloxone prodrug formulation. Reportedly, this offers more rapid onset and longer duration of action than current agents such as Narcan.

SOOPR is designed to rapidly restore respiration and reduce risk of hypoxic brain injury and death. In addition, it provides a 12- to 24-hour effective opioid blockade.

In-vivo proof-of-concept study data support the claims of more rapid onset versus intranasal and intramuscular naloxone.

According to Elysium, the round of funding is classified as a simple agreement for future equity, or SAFE. Another acronym, SMART, describes the company’s goals to establish new safety standards: Safer Medicines Alleviate Risks and Trauma.