Refractory chronic cough (RCC), defined as a persistent cough lasting over eight weeks, affects 2% to 18% of the global population, imposing a significant physical, psychological, and economic burden[1]. Despite its widespread impact, current treatment options remain limited—many are used off-label, do not address the underlying disease pathology, and come with limited efficacy or significant side effects [2].
This underscores a critical need for novel therapeutic approaches that target the underlying mechanisms of RCC, rather than simply managing symptoms. Advancing research in this space is not only essential for developing more effective treatments but also for deepening our understanding of respiratory disorders. The pursuit of innovative solutions has the potential to unlock groundbreaking discoveries that could redefine patient care and enhance quality of life for millions worldwide.
About Nocion Therapeutics
Within this evolving landscape, Nocion Therapeutics has emerged as a uniquely positioned force in chronic cough research. The company is developing first-in-class small molecule charged sodium channel blockers (CSCBs), known as “nocions”. These innovative compounds are designed to silence overactive nociceptors—the sensory neurons responsible for triggering cough, itch, and pain—without compromising normal sensory function. By selectively targeting only the activated nociceptors, Nocion’s approach aims to deliver a highly precise, long-lasting, and differentiated therapeutic strategy for chronic cough.
Beyond chronic cough, Nocion’s platform aims to extend to other serious conditions, including inflammation, pain, and itch, opening up new treatment possibilities for patients with limited options.
Why Lumira Invested
Lumira Ventures’ investment in Nocion Therapeutics is driven by its differentiated and highly innovative approach to chronic cough treatment. The company’s lead candidate, Taplucanium Dry Powder for Inhalation, is currently in Phase 2b clinical trials and represents a novel class of CSCBs designed to block sodium channels that drive the pathological cough response. Unlike P2X3 antagonists, which target a single receptor type, Taplucanium acts across multiple open Large Pore Channels (LPCs), positioning it as a potentially more effective and broadly applicable treatment for RCC [3].
“Building upon decades of research from its esteemed scientific founders and a long history of clinical experience with broad voltage-gated sodium channel inhibitors, we believe Nocion’s lead program and emerging pipeline are well-positioned to deliver a meaningful impact across several inflammatory diseases, starting with chronic cough.” — Lu Han, Ph.D., Partner, Lumira Ventures
In January 2024, Nocion closed a $70 million Series B financing, with Lumira Ventures participating alongside a prestigious group of investors, including Arkin Bio Capital, Monograph Capital, Canaan Partners, and Mass General Brigham Ventures, among others.
Looking Ahead: A New Era for Chronic Cough Treatment
As Nocion advances its CSCB platform, it is poised to reshape the treatment landscape for chronic cough and beyond. With its lead program progressing through clinical development, we are optimistic about its potential to deliver a more targeted, durable, and well-tolerated solution for patients. Additionally, the company’s broader pipeline could unlock new possibilities in precision medicine, addressing inflammation, pain, and other debilitating conditions.
Lumira Ventures is excited to support Nocion’s journey as it continues to push the boundaries of respiratory and inflammatory disease treatment, with the goal of delivering breakthrough therapies that improve patient outcomes worldwide.
Learn more about Nocion Therapeutics
Sources:
[1] Source: “Overview of Chronic Cough.”, The American Journal of Managed Care, 2022
[2] Source: “Advances in chronic cough treatment.”, Journal of Respiratory Medicine, 2021
[3] Source: “Nocion Therapeutics Announces Dosing Underway in Participants with Chronic Cough”, Nocion Therapeutics, 2021