The research

Our research goal is to develop and commercialize new natural and sustainable prescription drugs for patients suffering from pathologies of the gastrointestinal tract. We are initially focused specifically on chronic rare diseases of gastrointestinal malabsorption and excessive intestinal fluid output (e.g., short bowel syndrome).

Sustainability

Crofelemer, our drug product candidate, is extracted and purified from the bark sap of the Croton lechleri tree (commonly called ”Sangre de drago”), which is an abundant, fast-growing Amazonian pioneer tree species widespread in Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, and Bolivia used by traditional healers working with medicinal plants in these areas. The bark sap, also known as latex, is sustainably harvested utilizing fair trade practices by local peoples who have been collaborating with Jaguar Health’s U.S. subsidiary Napo Pharmaceuticals and its local partners over the past two decades with the aim of ensuring a high degree of quality and ecological integrity. 

Napo Pharmaceuticals’ sustainable harvesting programs use no pesticides or preservatives and have a benefit of sequestering CO2. Since 2001, more than 800,000 Croton lechleri trees have been planted.

Ethnobotany

Crofelemer was discovered through the science of ethnobotany, a discipline based on the scientific and interdisciplinary study of local botany, the use of medicinal plants by traditional healers, as well as the empathic link between man and our ecosystem.

Rare diseases

SBS

SBS is a complex condition characterized by the malabsorption of fluids and nutrients; the condition can result from surgical resection, congenital anomalies or pathologies associated with intestinal malabsorption and requires parenteral nutritional support for patients to survive.

This pathology has a significant impact on patients’ quality of life, as it limits their ability to carry out daily activities, such as going to school or to work.  The need for parenteral nutritional support further limits patients’ autonomy and exposes patients to the risk of serious complications.
(source: orpha.net | sinpe.org)

To treat SBS and support patients suffering from this syndrome experience improved quality of life, Napo Therapeutics is studying an active ingredient obtained from Croton lechleri sap.

Pipeline

Napo Therapeutics’ strategy is to search for molecules that can be developed and marketed to cure ​​rare diseases and to find therapeutic solutions for neglected orphan diseases.

Napo Therapeutics has the clinical, medical and regulatory experience and infrastructure to support the development of molecules for different therapeutic areas in the field of rare diseases.