Seeing new solutions: from a pivotal UNC discovery, Inspire scientists created a myriad of novel compounds and a solid pipeline of potential new products.

• Position: Inspire Pharmaceuticals, Inc. - University of North Carolina

Inspire Pharmaceuticals arose from a partnership between visionary scientists and determined entrepreneurs. In the early 1990s, researchers at the University of North Carolina Cystic Fibrosis Research Center discovered that uridine triphosphate, which activates certain protein molecules, could keep airway surfaces moist, which is crucial to protecting the lungs. Individuals with cystic fibrosis are unable to produce the hydration needed to maintain healthy lungs, and UNC researchers believed that cystic fibrosis patients could be helped by treatment with this kind of compound.

This important discovery led to Inspire's first funding for operations in 1995. At that time, these protein molecules, called P2[Y.sub.2] receptors, were just beginning to be understood. The novel science and excitement of a startup lured top scientists to Inspire, and they rapidly built on the initial discovery, synthesizing better compounds for airway hydration and identifying other diseases that may be linked to the activity of P2[Y.sub.2] receptors.

Now approaching its decade anniversary, Inspire is advancing three clinical programs resulting from Inspire's expansion of the initial UNC discovery. The original seven issued patents from UNC have grown to 43-24 owned and 19 licensed. Cystic fibrosis continues to be an area of keen interest. Inspire recently reported positive results in a Phase II clinical cystic fibrosis study and expects to advance the program to Phase III in the coming year.

Inspire's most advanced compound, diquafosol, is in the final stages of clinical development as a treatment for dry eye. If the ongoing Phase III...