About Us

Mission Statement

Orpheus is focused on providing a treatment for retinopathy of prematurity (ROP), a potentially blinding affliction that occurs in premature neonates. To this end, Orpheus is developing a novel peptide therapeutic, PR1P, that targets a critical mediator of ROP, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). By binding to and stabilizing VEGF, PR1P can prevent the harmful retinal vascular anomalies that occur as premature neonates receive required respiratory support and oxygen supplementation. PR1P has the potential to prevent the development of ROP before retinal damage occurs in these newborns. This makes PR1P the FIRST preventative treatment for ROP. Furthermore, PR1P is also the first ROP treatment that is available by intravenous injection in contrast to existing therapies, such as intravitreal anti-VEGF injections, that carry the risk of ocular trauma for newborns.

The unique mechanism of action of PR1P has the potential to be applicable in other ocular indications, including diabetic retinopathy and age-related macular degeneration. Orpheus is similarly dedicated to developing PR1P for the treatment of these indications which collectively afflict 30 million people in the US.

Description

Orpheus is a privately held biotechnology company with research facilities in Northern Virginia, USA. Orpheus’ dedicated and experienced management and scientific team are committed to commercializing PR1P for the treatment of ROP and other ocular indications. PR1P and related peptides are patent protected in both composition and utilization.

At a Glance

Foundation: 2016
Location: Manassas, VA
Our Name: Orpheus is derived from Greek mythology as it speaks to our targeted application
Lead Indication: Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP), an orphan indication
Area of Focus: Ocular conditions characterized by VEGF dysregulation