Macrophage Migration Inhibitory Factor (MIF) is a pleiotropic cytokine identified in 1993. However, new intracellular functions of MIF have been identified recently, including a role in the assembly of the NLRP3 inflammasome. MIF also plays a unique role in sensitivity to steroids.

Apaxen is focused on research and development of breakthrough therapeutics for the treatment of inflammatory and auto-immune diseases that depend on chronic activation of NLRP3 inflammasomes and other intracellular roles of MIF.

Apaxen identifies and develops small molecules that block intracellular functions of MIF. This platform approach allows for the development of a pipeline of novel therapeutics to treat a broad range of diseases that depend on NLRP3 inflammasome activity and other aspects of MIF biology. This includes many inflammatory and inflammaging related diseases and auto-immune diseases.

Apaxen benefits from strategic collaborations with main academic research centers having translational expertise in NLRP3 Inflammasome biology and inflammasome-related diseases.