PIPELINE
Medical agents in liquid form are attractive and have the potential for significant advantages over inhaled gas in terms of safety, dosing accuracy, and ease of use.
In Vitro
In vivo
(acute use)
HBI-002
Our GLASS platform enables the oral delivery of low dose medical carbon monoxide. This delivery method addresses key tissues impacted by Sickle Cell Disease, Parkinson’s Disease, and Doxorubicin Toxicity during cancer treatment
Sickle Cell Disease: Clinical studies by others indicate both safety and efficacy of low dose medical carbon monoxide in sickle cell disease, but up until now it hasn’t been possible to safely and effectively deliver this agent to sickle cell disease patients. HBI-002 provides a unique dual mechanism of action: reducing inflammation and cell death via the heme oxygenase pathway; and blocking the polymerization of hemoglobin. A successful Phase 1 clinical trial in healthy volunteers to assess safety and oral delivery was completed in 2023. Hillhurst Bio is now running a Phase IIa study in patients with sickle cell disease, scheduled to be complete later in 2025.
Parkinson’s Disease: It has long been known that smoking cigarettes, a source of carbon monoxide, is associated with protection from Parkinson’s disease. Our preclinical studies showing that HBI-002 is protective in Parkinson’s disease mice and rats indicating that the carbon monoxide in cigarette smoke, via the heme oxygenase pathway, may be the cause of this counterintuitive finding. Hillhurst Bio is currently running a Phase IIa study in patients with Parkinson’s.
Cardioprotection from Doxorubicin Toxicity: Doxorubicin is a critical cancer drug, but it can cause substantial heart toxicity. Preclinical research demonstrates that low dose medical CO protects against damage to the heart from doxorubicin via the heme oxygenase cytoprotective pathway.
HBI-137
Kidney Transplant: Past clinical studies suggest a protective effect of low dose medical CO in preventing delayed graft function in kidney transplant. Our investigational intravenous dosage form is designed for intraoperative use, such as during transplant surgery.
HBI-201
Acute Pain: The analgesic (anti-pain) properties of the medical nitrous oxide (N2O) are well known. With our GLASS platform, we are developing an oral nitrous oxide therapeutic for the management of acute pain.