The GlycoMimetics pipeline is generated by our specialized platform technology, which is producing first-in-class proprietary drug candidates with an initial focus on inflammation, cancer and infectious disease.  All of GlycoMimetics' compounds have been generated internally, leveraging the company’s in depth understading of glycobiology, or the study of carbohydrate biology.

GlycoMimetics has designed and synthesized a novel class of anti-inflammatory compounds that are selectin antagonists. Selectins play a critical role in a broad range of chronic and acute diseases and conditions.  From this class, GlycoMimetics selected and recently completed Phase 1 clinical trials of compound GMI-1070.  We plan initially to evaluate this compound for the treatment of vaso-occlusive crisis of sickle cell disease, for which the compound was awarded Orphan Drug designation by the FDA.  Based on preclinical studies, GMI-1070 may also have application in a number of other conditions, including certain blood cancers.

GlycoMimetics has discovered a second drug candidate, GMI-1051, which has been shown to inhibit multiple virulence functions of the bacterial lectins of Pseudomonas aeruginosa in a series of preclinical studies.  GlycoMimetics plans to develop this drug for use in conjunction with antibiotics in patients suffering from pseudomonas infections.

GlycoMimetics has also developed a family of small molecule E-selectin specific antagonists  that have been shown to be potent inhibitors of E-selectin in both in vitro and in vivo assays.  A number of the compounds in this family have good in vitro properties for potential oral availability.  As such, they represent a potential first-in-class set of compounds that could address major markets in chronic inflammation.

GlycoMimetics is designing and testing viral and bacterial entry inhibitors that target a dendritic cell receptor called DC SIGN. DC SIGN is involved in the initial stages of infection by a number of pathogens, including HIV, Tuberculosis, Dengue and Ebola. These inhibitors are in early-stage development.

For more information about the science of glycobiology, please see our Overview of Glycobiology.