About Our Science

There is a clear unmet medical need to drive better outcomes from Respana’s first focal area – post-infectious pulmonary complications from respiratory infection.  All of us hear about the number of influenza deaths each year, the Covid deaths.  Indeed, significant mortality and morbidity occurs each year due to respiratory infections in the United States, and across the globe.

Our scientists have identified a druggable receptor of the immune system which is known to drive an elevated, prolonged and damaging state of inflammation following infection.  Blocking this receptor is expected to drive resolution of inflammation, help resolve the primary infection and prevent serious complications such as sepsis, ARDS and pneumonia.

Respana’s RT-002 is a therapeutic monoclonal antibody (mAb) targeting a receptor implicated in the inflammatory cascade seen in dysregulated immune response to injury. This mAb is licensed from Penn State University with broad, worldwide patent coverage.

Respana continues to study the effects of this mAb with the goal of human trials in the coming years if testing is successful.

Beyond respiratory infection, Respana has identified multiple indications where its mAB may be the solution.