Chlorion Pharma

Chlorion Pharma was an early-stage biotechnology company focused on developing small molecule therapeutics for neuropathic pain and epilepsy. Founded in 2004 by Jeffrey Coull, Martin Gagnon, and Yves De Koninck, the company was a spin-out from Laval University, with its scientific basis rooted in joint research conducted at Laval and McGill universities. The company's core technology centered on restoring the balance of chloride in the central nervous system to treat neurological disorders.

The company's scientific approach was based on modulating cation-chloride co-transporters (CCCs), whose dysfunction is linked to aberrant chloride homeostasis in neurons, a key factor in conditions like persistent pain and epilepsy. Chlorion's lead candidate, CLP635, was a modulator of the KCC2 transporter, which is essential for maintaining low intracellular chloride levels necessary for normal neuron function. By stimulating KCC2 activity, CLP635 aimed to correct the chloride gradient collapse observed in pathological states and was in preclinical testing for treating neuropathic pain and partial seizures.

Throughout its operation, Chlorion Pharma raised a total of $7.55 million over three funding rounds. This included a Series A round of $4.35 million in October 2007, with investors such as CTI Life Sciences Fund and Fonds Bio-Innovation. Subsequent funding included a convertible debt round and a grant from the National Research Council Canada. Based in Quebec City, Canada, the company appears to have ceased operations.

Keywords: neuropathic pain, epilepsy treatment, small molecule therapeutics, KCC2 modulator, chloride homeostasis, central nervous system disorders, cation-chloride co-transporters, preclinical testing, biotechnology, Laval University spin-out, McGill University research, CLP635, neuronal hyperactivity, neurological disease, drug development, biopharmaceutical, neurotherapeutics, ion transporter modulation, CNS drug discovery, early-stage biotech