Inspire Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

MUCOSAL HYDRATION - The process by which the body moistens and lubricates mucosal surfaces such as the eyes, sinuses and lungs. Specific cells on mucosal surfaces facilitate the movement of fluids (e.g., water, mucin and lipids) onto these surfaces. Proper hydration of mucosal surfaces is essential for the health of the mucosal tissues.

MUCOCILIARY CLEARANCE - The process by which mucosal surfaces such as the lungs and sinuses are cleared of particles such as dust, bacteria and viruses by the action of cilia. Cilia are small, hair-like projections that move in a waving motion to "sweep" debris away from the mucosal surface. The cilia are suspended in a layer of fluid, which allows them to move freely. Both the fluid layer and the movement (or beat) of the cilia are essential for the health of mucosal surfaces such as the lungs and sinuses.

P2Y RECEPTOR - A receptor is a protein molecule on the surface of a cell. Receptors attract certain types of molecules called ligands (drugs), and bind to them. This binding activates specific processes within the cell. A simple way to think of a drug binding to a receptor is the analogy of a key fitting a lock. A drug (a key) binds to a receptor (a lock) and activates (or unlocks) specific processes within the cell. Inspire's drug candidates bind to a particular type of receptor called the P2Y2 receptor (one type of P2Y receptor) and activate (or unlock) the processes of mucosal hydration and mucociliary clearance.

Inspire is a biopharmaceutical company focused on discovering, developing and commercializing prescription pharmaceutical products for diseases in the ophthalmic and pulmonary areas. We intend to build and commercialize a sustainable pipeline of innovative new treatments based on our technical and scientific expertise.

Our Strategy
Our strategy is to advance product candidates in areas where we have significant expertise, through drug discovery, development, strategic alliances and in-licensing, and to be involved in the marketing and sale of our products. The principle elements of our strategy are to:

Aggressively advance our product candidates
Establish strategic relationships that enhance and complement our own product development and commercial organization
Successfully commercialize products through a concentrated sales and marketing effort in our target markets
Develop or in-license new products to strengthen our core therapeutic areas of ophthalmology and pulmonary
Build intellectual property around our product candidates

Our Investment Highlights

Integrated biopharmaceutical company with R&D and commercial capabilities
Product portfolio with therapeutic focus in ophthalmology
and pulmonary
Specialized sales force generating attractive revenue stream
In-licensed products and compounds leverage existing infrastructure

Page last updated: 30-Jul-2008