NuvOx’s discovery of NanO       as the world’s most effective oxygen therapeutic derives from Dr. Unger’s pioneering work in microbubbles. Dr. Unger’s first company, ImaRx Pharmaceutical, developed the world’s #1 selling microbubble product, Definity®, as an ultrasound contrast agent.

 

The active substance in microbubbles is a class of compounds called perfluorocarbons. Several generations of perfluorocarbon emulsions were developed as blood substitutes. The early generations used perfluorocarbons with high boiling points (greater than 142°C). Dr. Unger recognized that perfluorocarbons with lower boiling points, as used in microbubbles, would be more efficient oxygen carriers.

 

Dodecafluoropentane emulsion (DDFPe) was originally developed as an ultrasound contrast agent that never launched. Dodecafluoropentane boils at 29°C, less than body temperature, but is stable to storage as a liquid nanoemulsion. Recognizing the potential of DDFPe to deliver far more oxygen than previous perfluorocarbons, Dr. Unger licensed the patents and obtained ownership of the regulatory documents for DDFPe and launched the program to develop NanO₂  .

 

NanO₂  improves the flow of oxygen between blood and tissue. Multiple studies have confirmed the potential of NanO₂  showing efficacy at less than 1% the dose of the prior perfluorocarbons. NanO₂  represents a new paradigm in oxygen delivery.