John R. Baker

Protemix Corporation is a biopharmaceutical company that discovers, develops and commercializes novel therapies for the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular disease, diabetes and other metabolic disorders and their complications. Through cost-effective research in New Zealand, the company has assembled a pipeline of novel and innovative compounds, The most advanced compound is in Phase 2b FDA trials for the treatment of diabetic heart failure. Protemix has assembled a pipeline of novel and innovative compounds, the most advanced of which is in Phase 2b FDA trials for the treatment of diabetic heart failure. Protemix’s discovery capabilities capitalize on the 30-year research expertise of the company’s founder, Professor Garth Cooper, a widely recognized expert in the field of peptide hormones, metabolic regulation and diabetes. The company’s discovery efforts are grounded in a detailed understanding of the potential mechanisms underlying diabetes and its complications, and have resulted in a pipeline of drug candidates that intervene at specific, well-defined disease targets to rebalance and renormalize key systems, thus enabling tissue repair and regeneration. Protemix’s lead compound, PX811019, is an orally active molecule that has shown the ability to reverse heart failure based on preclinical diabetic models and significantly reduced left ventricular hypertrophy in human clinic trials. Protemix studies suggest that PX811019 works by rebalancing abnormal copper accumulation in heart muscle, significantly improving cardiac structure and function without lowering blood glucose. The company has received Fast Track status for this compound from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. The company has a second compound, PX811013, in late preclinical development for the treatment of both alcohol-mediated and non-alcoholic liver damage. The Protemix pipeline also includes six preclinical discovery programs addressing significant market opportunities. Protemix has its commercialization activities and late stage clinical trials driven from San Diego, California with administrative offices in Auckland, New Zealand and research laboratories at the University of Auckland. The company, founded in 1999, is privately held.