Jeffrey F. McKelvy

iTherX is a clinical stage pharmaceutical company focused on the discovery and development of innovative treatments for Hepatitis C. This is a disease that affects almost 3% of the world's population, and is the major cause of chronic liver disease, cirrhosis, liver failure and primary liver cancer. Currently there is only a single mode of therapy and less than 5% of patients can be successfully treated. The company continues to carry out focused research in their areas of expertise to provide sustainability of product pipelines. In an era of managed care and increased regulatory scrutiny, it is easy to yield to the temptation of producing 'me too drugs'. However, they think that innovation in the development of pharmaceutical products is important because it is the only way to improve the outcomes for patients. As such, they also think that innovation can ensure the financial returns that investors in health care deserve for the risks that they take. Their innovative approach is evident in their pipeline of Hepatitis C drug candidates. As new and better treatments are being sought, most companies involved in this effort are targeting the enzymes responsible for viral replication: polymerases and proteases. While these are important targets, there is a great deal of duplication of effort in these initiatives. At iTherX, they are pioneering the development of a novel class of HCV antivirals by targeting the steps involved in the entry of the hepatitis C virus into liver cells. Their Host Cell Receptor Target Program engenders small molecule compounds that target a liver cell membrane protein, SR-B1, which recognize and dock the virus. Their lead compound, ITX5061, has extensive safety data in over 250 patients, and shows picomolar potency in inhibiting HCV infection in vitro. They plan to initiate a Phase 2a clinical trial in HCV patients in Q2 of 2009. They have also used medicinal chemistry to develop back-up compounds for this program, and a clinical candidate has been selected for development. Another innovative program is novel cell receptor, which develops antagonists (including biologics) against a novel liver cell membrane protein required for infectivity of the virus.

Avera Pharmaceuticals, Inc. develops drugs and therapies. The company's pharmaceutical compounds are used to identify opportunities for therapeutic advances in the treatment of neurological and psychiatric disorders. Avera Pharmaceuticals was founded in 2002 and is headquartered in San Diego, CA.

CNS Therapeutics, Inc. develops and manufactures drug delivery products. The company was founded in 2007 and is headquartered in St. Paul, MN.

Part of NPS Allelix Corp., Trophix Pharmaceuticals, Inc. develops pharmaceutical products. The company is based in South Plainfield, NJ. The company was founded by Jeffrey F. McKelvy. Trophix Pharmaceuticals was acquired by Allelix Biopharmaceuticals, Inc. on July 30, 1997 for $27 million.

Thuris Corp. develops medical devices. It develops pharmaceuticals for CNS Orphan and niche indications including, a stroke-related condition, peripheral neuropathy and Huntington's disease. It develops pharmaceuticals for cluster headaches, depression and mild cognitive impairment, a precursor of Alzheimer's disease. The company is also developing a non-invasive medical device that will assist in the diagnosis of psychiatric and neurological disorders over a broad range of brain-related conditions. Thuris is headquartered in Irvine, CA.

Part of Merck & Co., Inc., Merck Research Laboratories Massachusetts LLC is a pharmaceutical company that provides free medicines and adult vaccines to qualified patients through their Merck Patient Assistance Program. The company is based in Boston, MA and is a part of Merck & Co., Inc. and its affiliates. The company also offers information about insurance coverage and financial assistance options for eligible patients. The company conducts clinical trials and provides medical information covering thousands of topics in all fields of medicine through their Merck Manuals. Additionally, they report on their commitment to operating responsibly to benefit society through their corporate responsibility program, which includes their environmental, social, and governance (ESG) report. Merck for Mothers is an initiative to create a world where no woman has to die giving life.