PHILADELPHIA--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- NephroDI Therapeutics, Inc., a biopharmaceutical company developing NDI-5033 for the X-linked/congenital form of Nephrogenic Diabetes Insipidus (NDI), today announced a seed investment from Xontogeny, LLC to advance their lead program through critical preclinical work.

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X-linked NDI affects 1 in 250,000 males in the US and is characterized by profoundly excessive urination of up to 20L (5 gal) per day and frequent complications. NephroDI’s lead product, NDI-5033 is a unique adenosine monophosphate activated kinase (AMPK) activator that can stimulate water reabsorption without causing hypoglycemia, decreasing overall urine output. NDI-5033 is being developed for the congenital form of NDI. The current standard of care for NDI is centered around hydrating with up to 80 glasses of water per day, low sodium diet, diuretics, and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or NSAIDs which can cause additional kidney damage with chronic use. NDI-5033 is positioned to become a much-needed alternative to these current management measures.

“We are excited to collaborate with NephroDI in addressing the unmet need for a treatment of congenital NDI,” said Chris Garabedian, Founder, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Xontogeny. “The Xontogeny team is well-suited to support the Company’s goals of benefiting children suffering from NDI.”

Congenital NDI manifests at birth and is a life-long condition with a normal life expectancy. NDI patients produce extremely large amounts of dilute urine resulting from an inability of the kidney to respond to vasopressin. Congenital NDI results primarily from mutations in the vasopressin 2 receptor, which is located on the X chromosome. Congenital NDI has a profound impact on children. If hydration is not maintained, it can cause mental retardation and even chronic kidney disease by middle school age. It is considered an orphan condition in the US and Europe. Current management measures are minimally effective and onerous in that they require patients to drink as much fluid as they excrete to prevent dehydration and eat an extremely restricted diet.

“We are thrilled to collaborate with Xontogeny. Their support, consisting of an investment and industry experience, will be especially important in our goal to bring NDI-5033 into clinical trials,” said Rachael Hagan, President and Chief Executive Officer, NephroDI Therapeutics. “We look forward to working with the Xontogeny team as we develop much-needed therapies to treat children suffering from NDI.”

The Board of Directors will be comprised of Chairman, Chris Garabedian, CEO of Xontogeny, Fred Callori, SVP, Corporate Development of Xontogeny, and Rachael Hagan.

About NDI-5033

NDI-5033 is being developed for the congenital/X-linked form of NDI with follow-on potential for the acquired form. NDI-5033 is a unique adenosine monophosphate activated kinase (AMPK) activator that can stimulate water reabsorption without causing hypoglycemia. NDI-5033 is currently entering preclinical development. Studies show an increase in urine concentration in a dose-dependent manner with no effect on blood glucose levels.

About NephroDI Therapeutics, Inc.

NephroDI Therapeutics is a pharmaceutical company that focuses on concentration disorders of the kidney. The initial clinical indication for its orally administered lead small molecule is for Nephrogenic Diabetes Insipidus (NDI) in children, a pediatric orphan indication. For more information, please visit: www.nephrodi.com.

About Xontogeny, LLC

Based in Boston, MA, Xontogeny seeks to accelerate the development of life science technologies by providing entrepreneurs with funding options as well as the leadership, strategic guidance and operational support necessary to increase the probability of success in early drug and technology development. Through a differentiated approach, the Xontogeny team partners with founding scientists and entrepreneurs to support their vision while allowing a more efficient development model that benefits company founders and early equity holders. For more information visit www.xontogeny.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains “forward-looking statements” concerning the development of NephroDI Therapeutics products, the potential benefits and attributes of such products, and the company’s expectations regarding its prospects. Forward-looking statements are subject to risks, assumptions and uncertainties that could cause actual future events or results to differ materially from such statements. These statements are made as of the date of this press release. Actual results may vary. NephroDI Therapeutics undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements for any reason.

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