This week, our conversations are with Uwe Diegel, CEO of Lifeina, about their cooling technologies, and with Dirk Beher, CEO of FundaMental Pharma, about treatment resistant depression.
Times:
02:37 FundaMental Pharma
23:56 Lifeina
FundaMental Pharma
FundaMental Pharma is a preclinical biopharmaceutical company focused on developing new treatments for treatment‑resistant depression (TRD).
The company’s platform centres on proprietary dual‑acting modulators of the N‑methyl‑D‑aspartate receptor (NMDAR). These molecules simultaneously disrupt the pathological complex formed between NMDAR and the TRPM4 ion channel, while also acting as potent NMDAR antagonists. This dual mechanism is designed to intervene upstream in the neurobiological processes associated with excitotoxicity and impaired neuronal signalling, offering a differentiated strategy compared with existing antidepressant classes.
FMP374 is the company’s lead candidate and has demonstrated strong antidepressant‑like effects at low nanomolar concentrations in preclinical proof‑of‑concept studies. Importantly, these studies have not shown dissociation‑related behaviours, ataxia or hyperactivity at efficacious doses, supporting the potential for an at‑home therapeutic profile. The molecule is orally bioavailable and is progressing toward IND‑enabling studies.
The company’s goal is to deliver new therapeutic options for patients with severe unmet medical needs, where current treatments often fail to provide adequate relief.
Lifeina
Lifeina is a French health‑tech company focused on portable, connected medical‑device solutions for people who rely on temperature‑sensitive medications. Its flagship product, LifeinaBox, is a compact, battery‑powered mini‑fridge designed to keep biologics such as insulin, growth hormones and certain injectable therapies within a safe temperature range during travel or daily use.
The device pairs with a mobile app that monitors temperature, battery status and usage patterns, providing alerts if the medication is at risk.
The company positions its technology as a way to give patients greater independence and mobility. Lifeina works with patient groups, clinicians and pharmaceutical partners to refine its devices and expand compatibility with a wider range of biologic medicines.
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