A local startup, ShearIT, LLC, has been awarded $490k in funding from the National Institute of Health (NIH) to support their Phase I (proof of concept) research for their utilization patented compound, Lamiflo™, and its effectiveness in extending the ischemic penumbra in large vessel occlusion acute ischemic stroke (AIS).
Lamiflo™ is a high molecular weight polymer that enhances blood and red blood cell (RBC) flow by altering the physical dynamics of flow, not pharmacologically, and capable of increasing flow independent of tissue viability or vascular sensitivity. It converts turbulent to laminar flow, improves oxygen delivery to the brain, increases capillary endothelial shear rate via the glycocalyx which controls all aspects of endothelial function including thrombosis. In two rat models of AIS by embolic and monofilament occlusion of the middle cerebral artery (MCA), the study evaluates by quantitative voxel analysis in MRI imaging, Lamiflo™ effectiveness in extending the duration of the ischemic penumbra and delaying the expansion of the core in without increasing hemorrhagic transformation. Positive results will support a Phase II application that includes development of the active pharmaceutical ingredient (API), InLife and toxicology studies for an Investigational New Drug (IND) application for FDA approval to pave the way to safety clinical trials.
Dr. Edwin Nemoto, CEO of ShearIT, joined the University of New Mexico in 2009 and brought with him the concept of cerebral microvascular shunts (MVS). Along with Dr. Wolfgang Mueller and Dr. Denis Bragin, they demonstrated, for the first time, the existence of brain MVS with loss of cerebral blood flow (CBF) regulation at high intracranial pressure. Along with Dr. Marina Kameneva’s assistance from the University of Pittsburgh, Dr. Nemoto and Dr. Bragin confirmed the efficacy of the polymer Lamiflo™ in reducing the severity of injury after stroke and traumatic brain injury. UNM Rainforest Innovations, the technology-transfer and economic development organization for the University of New Mexico, worked with Dr. Nemoto and his team to protect these novel findings in the form of filing utilization patents for Lamiflo™ for both AIS and cancer.
In 2020, Dr. Nemoto participated in UNM Rainforest Innovations’ Rainforest Accelerator program (previously known as the I-Corps Site Program) that trains entrepreneurial-minded faculty and students from the University of New Mexico on how to transition their STEM-related technologies to the marketplace. It was during this program that Dr. Nemoto was introduced to UNM student Tina Memarian where she served as the entrepreneurial student lead for the ShearIT team. This collaboration eventually resulted in Tina joining ShearIT as their Lead Entrepreneur.
ShearIT has made great strides over the years to develop their innovative technologies and with the backing of the NIH we’re excited to see what is next on their journey to transforming stroke treatment and improving patient outcomes. Dr. Nemoto is promoting the notion that all vascular diseases can be attributed to MVS and has shown in animals that Lamiflo™is effective in animal models of diabetes and Alzheimer’s Disease with plans for evaluation in sepsis and cancer.
Learn more about ShearIT on their website here: https://www.shearitllc.com/