Revolutionizing the Treatment of Mucus Obstruction in Chronic Lung Diseases
Millions of patients worldwide live with chronic lung diseases such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), cystic fibrosis, asthma, and bronchiectasis, conditions that cause significant suffering and, in many cases, are life-threatening. One of the major challenges for these patients is the accumulation of mucus in the lungs, making breathing difficult and creating an ideal environment for bacterial growth.
– Today, there are several treatment options for conditions such as COPD, but there is still no effective therapy for mucus plugs in the lungs. Bacteria accumulate in the mucus, often leading to lung infections, irreversible lung damage, and ultimately death, says Thaher Pelaseyed, CEO of MucoLife Therapeutics.
Thaher Pelaseyed is part of the Mucin Biology Groups at the University of Gothenburg, the world’s leading research cluster dedicated to mucus and mucins, the protective proteins that line the body’s mucosal surfaces. The cluster was founded by Professor Gunnar C. Hansson, who has spent decades researching the role of mucus in chronic diseases affecting the intestine and lungs. During the 2020s, the Mucin Biology Groups has made major scientific advances that have reshaped the field.
– Gunnar and his research team have developed a drug substance that dissolves mucus plugs and enables the mucus to be cleared from the lungs. The therapy has great potential to significantly improve patients’ health while also enhancing the effectiveness of existing treatments for chronic lung diseases.
– According to our preclinical data, our drug candidate is unmatched. The treatment that has been used for the past 60 years has demonstrated an efficacy of around 10 percent in patients. Our drug has shown an efficacy of at least 90 percent.
An international market
With support from GU Ventures, the University of Gothenburg’s incubator and investment company, Thaher Pelaseyed and Gunnar C. Hansson founded MucoLife Therapeutics in December 2023 to develop the inhaled therapy MLT-001 and ensure that it reaches patients. The company has also attracted investment from the United States.
– MucoLife Therapeutics is a Swedish company with a unique international team dedicated to developing MLT-001 for the global market. Our upcoming studies will primarily be conducted in Europe, after which we intend to seek approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
During 2026, MucoLife Therapeutics will further strengthen the intellectual property portfolio surrounding its drug candidate and active substance. At the same time, the company has initiated an investment round to enable the start of a Phase I clinical trial in healthy volunteers during the second half of 2027, following completion of preclinical safety studies. In parallel with the Phase I trial, a study in patients with COPD will also be conducted.
– Several global pharmaceutical companies, investors, and strategic partners are requesting early efficacy data in COPD patients, and we will be able to present these already at an early stage of development.
– With secured financing, we will move forward into Phase II and Phase III studies involving larger patient populations. Looking at the market potential and future sales of a finished once-daily inhaled therapy, we are talking about annual revenues exceeding USD 5 billion, says Thaher Pelaseyed.
