Our Core Technology

Limerick’s core technology enables the activation of ATP-binding cassette (ABC) Transporters to protect vulnerable organs from drug toxicity and disease. These protective pumps function within cells at select tissue barriers and organs to facilitate drug and chemical removal. ABC Transporters were initially viewed as unwanted causative elements of drug resistance. Much pharmaceutical research has, therefore, focused on inhibiting or circumventing these transporters. Limerick, however, has taken the novel approach of activating ABC Transporters for therapeutic benefits.

Since most drugs and endogenous materials traverse from the systemic circulatory system into many organs, including organs that are not the primary target, excessive exposure to some of these drugs and endogenous substances can lead to organ toxicities. Limerick’s Activators facilitate the export of harmful drugs or endogenous substances from non-targeted organs by the activation of ABC Transporters in those organs. This type of drug redistribution protects vulnerable organs from many toxicities.

Limerick Activators and Drug Redistribution

Limerick molecules selectively increase the activity of these protective pumps. When matched to specific drugs, specific Limerick Activators minimize toxic side effects at non-targeted vulnerable organs and tissues while maintaining or enhancing a drug’s desired effects. Limerick’s proprietary Activators may be tailored to alter the bioavailability of a broad range of therapeutic drug classes including immunosuppressants, opioids, immunomodulators, selective estrogens receptor modulators, and psychotropics.

Limerick Activators and Endogenous Substance Redistribution

Some of our molecules also regulate the distribution of naturally-occurring metabolites such as lipids (e.g. cholesterol, fatty acids, and phospholipids). When used alone, specific Limerick Activators enhance the removal of harmful metabolites that accumulate in diseases such as hyperlipidemia and hyperglycemia.

Our most advanced programs are in the areas of transplant immunosuppression and metabolic diseases. We have completed three randomized controlled clinical trials with a prototype, short-acting Limerick Activator. A Phase I study with our first NCE compound, LIM-0705, is currently underway in our Immunosuppression Program. We also have compelling results in our preclinical metabolic program, through a novel and disease modifying mechanism, in lipid and glucose homeostasis.