WinSanTor

WinSanTor is a biotech company developing a treatment for those suffering from a disease known as Peripheral Neuropathy.

Peripheral Neuropathy, or “PN” for short, happens when nerves die because of major injuries or diseases such as diabetes, cancer, or HIV.

The company has completed Phase 1 trials of its drug and expects to receive FDA approval in the U.S. by 2021.

Unlike other forms of neuropathy such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s that primarily affect the central nervous system, PN affects nerves along a person’s arms and legs. Those suffering from the disease typically experience constant numbness, burning, tingling, freezing, throbbing, cramping, or shooting pain.

PN affects more than 30 million Americans, including 60% to 70% of diabetics, 40% of cancer patients, and 33% of those diagnosed with HIV. The problem is, there isn’t any treatment for PN — just drugs that reduce the pain.

WinSanTor is developing a new treatment option. Not only does its drug improve the quality of life for those affected with PN, but it can actually reverse the disease.

According to Peter Farrell, founder of ResMed (NYSE:RMD), a medical equipment company, “Diabetic peripheral neuropathy is a surprisingly prevalent disease for which current treatment is grossly inadequate. However, hope may be soon at hand with developments being pioneered by WinSanTor.”

In essence, the company’s drug reactivates the mitochondria, the part of the cell that can get “switched off” in people suffering from diseases like diabetes and cancer. This switching off causes PN, but WinSanTor’s drug switches it back on.

The active ingredient in the company’s drug has already been approved by the FDA as a pill to treat stomach ulcers. It’s already been proven “safe,” and has been in use for 30 years. WinSanTor is now transforming this oral medication into a topical solution, enabling the company to accelerate drug approval and decrease its costs.

WinSanTor completed a proof-of-concept study on patients with diabetic peripheral neuropathy. Patients had reduced symptoms, increased quality of life — and most importantly, they experienced a reversal of PN through nerve regrowth.

The company also completed a Phase 1 safety study in Australia. The drug was proven to be safe when used topically. WinSanTor is now entering Phase 2 efficacy studies, which will be funded by the Canadian government. These Phase 2 studies will take place in Europe, China, and the U.S., and will put the company on track to receive drug approval in the U.S. by 2021.

According to WinSanTor, previous biotech startups aiming to treat PN were valued at several hundred million dollars after Phase 1 studies, and several billion dollars after Phase 2. WinSanTor is currently valued at $60 million, so it looks relatively inexpensive comparatively.

WinSanTor is led by a balanced team with extensive business and pharmaceutical experience:

Co-founder Paul Fernyhough has spent more than 20 years studying diabetic neuropathy. He’s currently a professor of Pharmacology and Therapeutics at the University of Manitoba…

Co-Founder Lakshmi Kotra is Director of the Center of Molecular Design at the University Health Network in Toronto…

And CEO Stanley Kim has extensive experience leading companies to successful exits. He previously co-founded SoftMax, a company specializing in noise reduction for mobile devices. SoftMax was acquired by Qualcomm. In addition, he co-founded Emotient, an Artificial Intelligence start-up that was acquired by Apple in 2016.

Team Background

Nigel Calcutt - Co-Founder

Nigel has spent nearly three decades studying neuropathy.

For 28 years, he has served as a professor of Pathology at the University of California, San Diego.

In addition, he co-founded the Diabetes Research Connection, a non-profit organization committed to funding diabetes research.

Nigel earned a Bachelor’s degree and a Ph.D. in Zoology & Pharmacology from the University of Nottingham.

Stanley Kim - Co-Founder & CEO

Stanley is a serial entrepreneur who has founded several technology companies, including those in the healthcare and software industries.

Most notably, he co-founded SoftMax, a company specializing in noise reduction for mobile devices which was acquired by Qualcomm.

In addition, he co-founded Emotient, an artificial intelligence-based start-up that was acquired by Apple in 2016.

Stanley previously co-founded nGoggle, a med-tech company that created a computer platform designed to detect and monitor neurodegenerative diseases.

He also co-founded SoluRx, a chemical company focused on pharmaceutical medicines.

He studied at the University of California, Berkeley.

Lakshmi Kotra - Co-Founder

Lakshmi has extensive experience in the pharmaceutical industry, specifically in the area of drug development.

He served as a scientist and later as Senior Scientist at Toronto General Research Institute. In addition, he served 12 years as the Director of the Center for Molecular Design and Preformulations at the University Health Network in Toronto.

Lakshmi has served as an associate professor at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro and the University of Toronto.

He earned a Bachelor’s degree in Pharmaceutical Sciences from Birla Institute of Technology and Science, and a Ph.D. in Medicinal Chemistry from the University of Georgia.

Paul Fernyhough - Co-Founder

Paul has studied diabetic neuropathy for more than 20 years.

For nearly 15 years, he has served as a professor of Neurosciences at the University of Manitoba.

He earned a Bachelor’s degree in Biology from the University of Essex and a Ph.D. in Biochemistry from The University of Sheffield.

Co-Investors

Thynk Capital

Fund focused on early-stage companies in the Therapeutics, Healthcare, and Technology industries.