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Praetego is a preclinical stage pharmaceutical company committed to addressing serious diabetic complications. Our novel and proprietary small molecule candidates target a common pathway in disease progression leading to serious complications.

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Our first target is Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy (DPN)—a degenerative process of the nerves in the extremities. DPN affects approximately 50% of patients living with diabetes. Our candidates may also address other diabetic complications such as cognitive decline, nephropathy and retinopathy.

1. Amadorins

The Amadorins are unique inhibitors of the oxidative breakdown of proteins modified by glucose (Amadori products).

This non-enzymatic process forms byproducts called Advanced Glycation End-products, or AGEs. AGE formation and accumulation leads to damage of the small blood vessels that supply vital nutrients to the eyes and the kidneys, as well as the nerves that enervate the extremities. This mechanism of damage is present across the spectrum of serious diabetic complications as well as cardiovascular disease and neurodegeneration.

The Amadorins, developed through a proprietary assay, inhibit AGE formation at its earliest stages. By interrupting the cascade at the first step of oxidative breakdown, Amadorins offer the greatest promise of protection against serious diabetic complications. As we optimized our candidates for future clinical utility, we improved potency, safety, and pharmacological properties.

For the millions of people living with diabetes, the Amadorins were developed to halt disease progression, rather than manage symptoms.

2. Development Programs

Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy (DPN)

DPN is the damage that effects the nerves in the hands and feet of diabetics. About 50% of diabetics develop DPN. For many it eventually causes pain. Praetego’s Amadorins target the cause of the damage.
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In a proof of concept study using a standard animal model of DPN, the Amadorins restored nerve function. They reversed nerve deficits in both large and small nerve fibers. Over the series of Amadorins tested, we confirmed that stronger AGE inhibition meant greater potency in the preclinical model of diabetic peripheral neuropathy. In preclinical safety studies, the Amadorins demonstrated a wide therapeutic window and minimal off-target hits.
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Our most recent drug development work is funded by the National Institute of Diabetic and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.

Other Serious Diabetic Complications

Beyond DPN, we are targeting Cognitive Decline, Nephropathy (Chronic Kidney Disease) and other serious diabetic complications.

3. Company

Praetego was founded in 2017 in Durham, North Carolina.

Management

Our leadership team pioneered the research leading to the discovery of Amadorins and offers extensive technical and operational experience in developmental stage drug companies.

Pepper Landson
CEO & Co-Founder

Pepper Landson is a 28-year pharma veteran. She has a proven record of creating value in early stage companies. Combining her skills in business development and operations with an extensive drug development background, she is ideally suited to her role. She has worked exclusively on the Amadorin technology and diabetic complications for the last 8 years.

Raja G. Khalifah, PhD
Chief Scientific Officer

Raja G. Khalifah, PhD, is a broadly trained chemist and biochemist who transitioned from academia to directing research at three startups founded on discoveries from his research. Experienced in medicinal chemistry and drug design, pharmacokinetics and drug metabolism, and preclinical and clinical studies. Primary co-inventor on 15 issued US patents in Amadorins and related fields.

Peter C. Johnson, MD
Chief Medical Officer

Peter C. Johnson, MD, is both an accomplished surgeon and clinical researcher. His career is complemented by successful entrepreneurial endeavors in the space of regenerative medicine and biomedical technology.

Paul A. Boyer
‍‍Chief Financial Officer

Paul A. Boyer is seasoned financial executive with experience in the field of diabetes. He is a proven value creator in start-ups, high-growth, and VC/private equity ventures for public & private companies. He has executed ~$1B in public & private equity & debt, including a successful IPO. He also developed/orchestrated 16 M&A’s.

Advisory Board

Our Advisory Board includes world renowned experts providing guidance across the spectrum of diabetic complications.

Rayaz Malik, MD, PhD
Neuropathy

Weill Cornell School of Medicine

Peter McCullough, MD, MPH
Cardio-Renal

Baylor University Medical Center

George Bakris, MD
Nephropathy & Hypertension

University of Chicago

Jamie Dwyer, MD
Nephrology

Vanderbilt University Medical Center

Alexander ‘Zan’ Fleming, MD
Metabolic Disease & Regulatory Strategy

Former head of the Division of Metabolic and Endocrinology Products, U.S. FDA

4. Contact

Address
68 TW Alexander Drive
Durham, NC 27709

Praetego is located in the heart of Research Triangle Park, home to a robust life science ecosystem.

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info@praetego.com
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