Targeted Indications

Overview

Morria is developing therapies to address respiratory inflammatory diseases (Allergic Rhinitis and Asthma), inflammatory skin diseases (dermatitis), inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), ophthalmic inflammatory conditions (conjunctivitis and dry eye), and Cystic Fibrosis. More information on these conditions is provided below.

ALLERGIC RHINITIS AND ASTHMA

The diseases:
Allergic rhinitis (hay fever) is an allergic inflammation of the nasal airways and the most common allergy condition in the world affecting 1 out of 5 people. It occurs when an allergen such as pollen or dust is inhaled by an individual with a sensitized immune system, and triggers antibody production. It can be seasonal (e.g in springtime) or perennial (e.g. allergy to pets). It causes itching, swelling, lachrymal activity (tears) and mucus production leading to congestion and a runny nose. Allergic rhinitis is often co-morbid with asthma (allergic inflammation of the lungs) . Asthma is a chronic allergic lung disease that inflames and narrows the airways. Asthma causes recurring periods of wheezing, chest tightness, shortness of breath, and coughing. An asthma attack can lead to costly hospitalisation and even death. Asthma affects people of all ages, but it most often starts during childhood. In the United States, more than 22 million people are known to have asthma. Nearly 6 million of these people are children.

The treatment:
Both diseases are treated with the same anti-inflammatory drugs (nasal steroids for rhinitis versus pulmonary pumps for asthma).

The unmet need:
Treatment with steroids, even in topical forms, is associated with serious side effects, particularly for long-term chronic usage. The typical rhinitis patient will use a nasal spray for three months of the year (a perennial patient will use it for the entire year) and an asthmatic patient must use it daily for the rest of their life. Side effects are relatively common and include nasal bleeding, dysgustia and infections (rhinitis) and increase in tongue and throat flora and infections (asthma).

The size of the market:
According to Datamonitor, the annual drug market for allergic rhinitis is $10bn. The annual drug market for asthma is $12bn. Both are rising, particularly in the industrialised world.
 

DERMATITIS

The disease:
Dermatitis is inflammation of the skin (i.e. skin rash or eczema). It can be caused by contact allergy (contact dermatitis), genetic factors (atopic dermatitis) or interactions with skin flora (seborrhea dermatitis).

The Treatment:
Treatment is typically a topical application of steroids (creams or ointments).

The unmet need:
Topical treatment with steroids can lead to skin discoloration, fungal infections, skin thinning and systemic exposure.

The size of the market:
The annual dermatitis market is estimated to be at $3bn.
 

INFLAMMATORY BOWEL DISEASE (IBD)

The disease:
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a group of inflammatory conditions of the colon and small intestine. The major types of IBD are Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. The causes of these is unclear but probably a combination of genetics and intestinal flora. The disease is chronic and patients experience unpredictable outbreaks in symptoms. These include discomfort and pain, rectal fistulae and loss in ability to digest food. The disease is associated with high patient costs due to hospitalisation and the very high cost of novel biological treatment.

The Treatment:
Treatment is multiple but the anti-inflammatory component is typically a systemic steroidal.

The unmet need:
Systemic treatment with steroids is associated with severe side effects such as changes in metabolism, blood pressure and even mood.

The size of the market:
Estimations for the annual IBD market range from $3bn to $16bn.
 

OPHTHALMOLOGY

The diseases:
Conjunctivitis (also called pink eye or madras eye) refers to inflammation of the conjunctiva (the outermost layer of the eye and the inner surface of the eyelids). It is most commonly due to an infection (usually viral, but sometimes bacterial) or an allergic reaction. Dry eye is a condition in which there are insufficient tears to lubricate and nourish the eye. Tears are necessary for maintaining the health of the front surface of the eye and for providing clear vision. People with dry eyes either do not produce enough tears or have a poor quality of tears. Dry eye is a common and often chronic problem, particularly in older adults.

The Treatment:
Treatment is limited. Ocular steroids are usually avoided due to risk of severe side effects associated with chronic exposure.

The unmet need:
There are no safe, effective ocular topical anti-inflammatory drugs.

The size of the market:
Estimations for the annual ophthalmology inflammatory market are $1.5bn.
 

CYSTIC FIBROSIS

The disease:
Cystic fibrosis is a rare recessive genetic disease which affects the entire body, causing progressive disability and early death. Difficulty breathing is the most serious aspect of this disease due to the lungs being burdened with mucus and infected by bacteria. A multitude of other symptoms, including sinus infections, poor growth, diarrhea, and infertility result from the effects of CF on other parts of the body. CF is caused by a mutation in the gene for the protein cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR). This gene is required to regulate the components of sweat, digestive juices, and mucus.

The Treatment:
Treatment is varied and includes drugs that break down mucus, antibiotics and steroids.

The unmet need:
There are no safe, effective pulmonary anti-inflammatory drugs for CF.

The size of the market:
Estimations for the annual ophthalmology inflammatory market are $500m.