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URIDINE
TRIPHOSPHATE - a naturally occurring compound that has been shown
to activate the P2Y2
receptor.
NUCLEOTIDE
- A molecule of structure similar to building blocks of nucleic
acids (DNA and RNA). Nucleotides via interaction with specific receptors
stimulate various processes within the cell.
AGONIST
- a chemical substance that activates ("turns on") certain
activities in a cell by binding to and activating a receptor. The
opposite of an agonist is an antagonist, which is a chemical substance
that blocks or reduces ("turns off") certain activities
in a cell by blocking the receptor.
P2Y
RECEPTOR - P2Y receptors are protein molecules expressed on the
surface of cells. Receptors bind specific types of molecules called
ligands (large number of marketed drugs are receptor ligands). This
binding activates specific processes within the cell. A simple way
to think of a drug binding to a receptor is the analogy of a key
fitting a lock. A drug (a key) binds to a receptor (a lock) and
activates specific processes within the cell. Inspire's drug candidates
bind to a particular type of receptor called the P2Y2
receptor
(one type of P2Y receptor) and activate the processes of mucosal
hydration and mucociliary clearance.
MUCOCILIARY
CLEARANCE - The process by which mucosal surfaces such as the lungs
and sinuses are cleared of particles such as dust, bacteria and
viruses by the action of cilia. Cilia are small, hair-like projections
that move in a waving motion to "sweep" debris away from
the mucosal surface. The cilia are suspended in a layer of fluid,
which allows them to move freely. Both the fluid layer and the movement
(or beat) of the cilia are essential for the health of mucosal surfaces
such as the lungs and sinuses.
P2Y
RECEPTOR - P2Y receptors are protein molecules expressed on the
surface of cells. Receptors bind specific types of molecules called
ligands (large number of marketed drugs are receptor ligands). This
binding activates specific processes within the cell. A simple way
to think of a drug binding to a receptor is the analogy of a key
fitting a lock. A drug (a key) binds to a receptor (a lock) and
activates specific processes within the cell. Inspire's drug candidates
bind to a particular type of receptor called the P2Y2
receptor
(one type of P2Y receptor) and activate the processes of mucosal
hydration and mucociliary clearance.
Our common stock is traded on the Nasdaq Global Market under the ticker symbol "ISPH." Inspire is located in Durham, North Carolina, adjacent to Research Triangle Park. Our original technology was licensed from the University of North Carolina (UNC). Research conducted by UNC's group at the Cystic Fibrosis Research Center led to the discovery that UTP is capable of increasing airway surface hydration and improving mucociliary clearance. At that time, P2Y receptors and their biological activity were just beginning to be understood. Inspire scientists, working with UNC researchers, immersed themselves in this emerging field, and were soon recognized as leaders in the discovery and synthesis of nucleotides that activate the P2Y2 receptor. Inspire scientists made and patented many discoveries relating to P2Y2 receptors, their agonists and their potential importance in the treatment of diseases involving deficiencies in the body's natural mechanisms for protecting mucosal surfaces such as the lungs, eyes and sinuses. Inspire has discovered and/or developed product candidates for treating dry eye, cystic fibrosis, glaucoma and allergic rhinitis. In late 2003, Inspire built a specialized sales force of 64 representatives dedicated to co-promoting Elestat® and Restasis® to ophthalmologists, optometrists and allergists. Inspire's sales force has since grown to 98 representatives who additionally call on high-prescribing pediatricians and primary care physicians for AzaSite®.
Page last updated: 18-Feb-2008
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