The science and history of LifeRaft
LifeRaft is building on decades of independent peer-reviewed research characterizing P188. Vepoloxamer, its purified, patent-protected therapeutic version, has been administered to more than 500 patients across multiple clinical trials with a strong safety record.
>500 exposures
More than 500 people have been dosed with Vepoloxamer in prior clinical trials. Adverse events comparable to placebo; no drug related deaths.
A complete prior IND
A complete filed IND from the prior Phase 3 program, transferred with the asset. Approximately 75% of that language is reusable for new INDs.
~140 kg of GMP API
Drug substance on hand — enough for planned proof of concept trials — with a documented, transferable manufacturing process ready for CDMO re-establishment.
The right molecule for the right indications.
Prior sponsors advanced Vepoloxamer in sickle cell, seeking to shorten the duration of the vaso-occlusive crisis (VOC) experienced by patients by exploiting the properties of Vepoloxamer that reduce the viscosity of blood flow. A devastating disease, yet one that is challenging to test in clinical trials. Patient populations are heterogeneous, the start and end of a VOC is hard to measure and unpredictable, and how to measure those points can vary across patients and clinical sites. In the late 90’s CytRx initiated, but did not complete, a Phase 3 trial, and in the early 2000’s MAST Therapeutics completed a second Phase 3 trial (EPIC) that failed to meet its endpoint.
LifeRaft is developing the drug in new indications that fit with the cellular membrane sealing properties of the drug. By exploiting this different mechanism of action in indications that are more clearly measured in the clinic, we are developing Vepoloxamer where it has the best opportunity to positively impact patient’s lives.
The path to LifeRaft
Vepoloxamer's development has advanced through several sponsors over more than three decades. The chain of custody is documented and the asset has been continuously stewarded.
Origin and the CytRx Corporation
Dr Robert Hunter at Emory characterized poloxamer 188’s cytoprotective properties and CytRx licensed the work.
CytRx and Glaxo Welcome
CytRx partnered with Glaxo Welcome and developed P188 as RheothRx, an unpurified form of P188, as a therapeutic. Together they advanced the program through eight clinical trials primarily focused on acute myocardial infarction (AMI). A large AMI trial was stopped early due to renal toxicity issues, and the program was returned to CytRx
The first purification process
CytRx diagnosed the source of toxicity to impurities in the product. They developed the first purification process, rebranded the product to Flocor, and directed the development toward sickle cell. Phase III was not completed due to capital reasons by late 1999, and the molecule went dormant.
New holding company
SynthRx formed as a holding company for the IP, with some preclinical analysis but no clinical programs.
Mast Therapeutics – the EPIC Phase 3
Adventrx Pharmaceuticals acquired SynthRx, and then renamed MAST Therapeutics in 2013. MAST performed additional purification work, which led to the composition of matter patent currently held by Liferaft. The company continued the development in sickle cell, reestablished GMP manufacturing, earned FDA Fast Track and Orphan Drug designations, and ran EPIC across 66 hospitals in 12 countries. The trial missed its endpoint yet generated a clean safety profile.
LifeRaft Biosciences
LifeRaft acquired the composition-of-matter patent, the regulatory package, the prior datasets and approximately 140 kg of GMP drug substance. A research collaboration with the Medical University of South Carolina generated new preclinical data supporting use in radiation-induced injury — the foundation for the current lead program. Operating leadership and a scientific advisory board were appointed in 2026 to advance the molecule into clinical proof of concept in indications that benefit most from the membrane-sealing mechanism of action.