AyuVis
AyuVis is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company developing chitohexaose-derived small molecule immunotherapies (lead asset AVR-48) that modulate the innate immune system via TLR4 and CD163 to prevent and treat inflammatory and infectious diseases, primarily targeting preterm infants with bronchopulmonary dysplasia and ICU patients with ARDS, VAP, and resistant pneumonia.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2014
- HeadquartersFort Worth, United States
- Headcount1–10
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingHardware or Manufacturing
What AyuVis does
AyuVis Research, Inc. is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company founded in 2014 and headquartered in Fort Worth, Texas, that develops a platform of novel multi-functional small molecule immunotherapies derived from chitohexaose (chitin derivatives). Its compounds modulate the innate immune system by binding to Toll Like Receptor 4 (TLR4) and CD163 receptors on macrophages, converting them into an intermediate phenotype that simultaneously controls inflammation and infection without suppressing the adaptive immune response. The lead asset is AVR-48, a chitin-derived small molecule designed to prevent and treat inflammatory and infectious diseases by promoting phagocytosis, controlling cytokine storm, promoting tissue repair, and circumventing multi-drug resistance; AVR-25 is a backup compound with demonstrated efficacy in bronchopulmonary dysplasia and polymicrobial sepsis preclinical models. Target indications include bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) in preterm infants, acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP), and Pseudomonas aeruginosa pneumonia.
The business model is a classic clinical-stage pharmaceutical development and out-licensing/sales model. AyuVis is pre-revenue and not commercialized; future revenue is expected to come from drug sales upon regulatory approval, with potential supplementary income from licensing or partnership transactions. The company has no disclosed pricing model and will rely on pharmaceutical supply chains, hospital pharmacies, and specialty pharmacy networks to distribute AVR-48 (an IV-administered therapy) into NICU and ICU settings. The FDA granted Orphan Drug Designation in January 2021 and Rare Pediatric Drug Designation in February 2021 for AVR-48 for BPD prevention, and the FDA accepted the IND application in January 2024, enabling a Phase 1, double-blinded, placebo-controlled single and multiple ascending dose study in healthy adult volunteers. To date, AyuVis has been funded primarily through four non-dilutive NIH grants totaling $4.2 million, supplemented by accelerator partnerships (TechFW, MassChallenge, Blue Knight/J&J JLABS–BARDA), angel investment through Cowtown Angels, and academic collaborations with UNTHSC, Drexel, Cooper Health, and others.
AyuVis is a small, founder-led organization (1–10 employees) led by Dr. Suchismita Acharya (PhD; 15+ years at Alcon/Novartis) with a leadership team that includes a board-certified neonatologist CMO (Dr. David Riley), a CFO (Mariam Morris), and senior R&D leadership with deep small-molecule and IND-enabling experience. The company operates out of lab space at the University of North Texas Health Science Center and is positioned to advance AVR-48 through early clinical development while pursuing indications in acute respiratory and infectious diseases where unmet medical need is high and existing therapeutic options (steroids, antibiotics) carry significant limitations.
AyuVis firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- AyuVis
- Legal name
- AyuVis Research, Inc.
- Website
- https://ayuvis.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2014
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 1–10 employees
- Short description
- AyuVis is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company developing chitohexaose-derived small molecule immunotherapies (lead asset AVR-48) that modulate the innate immune system via TLR4 and CD163 to prevent and treat inflammatory and infectious diseases, primarily targeting preterm infants with bronchopulmonary dysplasia and ICU patients with ARDS, VAP, and resistant pneumonia.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
AyuVis industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Biopharmaceutical Immunotherapy
- NAICS
- Biological Product (except Diagnostic) Manufacturing (325414), In-Vitro Diagnostic Substance Manufacturing (325413)
- SIC
- Pharmaceutical Preparations (2834), Biological Products, (No Disgnostic Substances) (2836)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Immunology & Autoimmune Specialty Pharmaceuticals (HLAIACAB)
Keywords
Where AyuVis is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Fort Worth
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices1 record
Markets served
AyuVis business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Hardware or Manufacturing
- Cost components
- Technology or R&D, Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Others
Revenue model
- Pharmaceutical Drug Development and Sales: Pre-revenue pharmaceutical company developing novel small molecule immunotherapies. Expected to generate revenue through drug sales upon regulatory approval. Focus on acute respiratory diseases with high unmet medical need including BPD, ARDS, VAP, and PAP.
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels1 record
Marketing channels4 records
AyuVis product offering
Product offeringCore offering
AyuVis is developing a proprietary platform of novel multi-functional small molecule immunotherapies derived from chitohexaose that modulate the innate immune system by stimulating macrophages to control inflammation and infection. The lead clinical-stage candidate AVR-48, with backup compound AVR-25, targets acute respiratory diseases including bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) in preterm infants, acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP), and Pseudomonas aeruginosa pneumonia through TLR4 and CD163 receptor binding.
Product overview
AyuVis is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company developing a platform of novel multi-functional small molecule immunotherapies derived from chitohexaose analogs. The company's lead product is AVR-48, with backup compound AVR-25. These immunotherapies work through the innate immune system by modulating macrophages to provide a balanced immune response that controls both inflammation and infection simultaneously, without causing immunosuppression or activating the adaptive immune system. The platform targets acute respiratory diseases and related conditions including bronchopulmonary dysplasia, ARDS, VAP, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa pneumonia.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- AVR-48 Lead clinical-stage small molecule immunotherapy candidate derived from chitohexaose, designed to prevent and treat inflammatory and infectious diseases by modulating the innate immune system through macrophage activation via TLR4 and CD163 receptors. Target indications include bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) in preterm infants, acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), and ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP). Has received FDA Orphan Drug Designation (January 2021), Rare Pediatric Drug Designation (February 2021), and IND clearance for Phase 1 trials (January 2024).
- AVR-25 Backup small molecule immunotherapy compound derived from chitin, shown to have anti-inflammatory effects in lungs and protective effects in sepsis models. Demonstrated efficacy in experimental bronchopulmonary dysplasia and polymicrobial sepsis preclinical studies. Part of the AyuVis platform alongside lead candidate AVR-48.
Quantifiable outcome
- 80% survival rate in CLP-induced sepsis mice treated with AVR-48 in preclinical studies
- +2 more outcomes
Companies that use AyuVis
Customer profileSegments3 records
Ideal customer profiles3 records
AyuVis technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed Yes
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature3 records
AyuVis partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Eight partnerships are on record, tiered core and major.
- Blue Knight (Johnson & Johnson Innovation – JLABS and BARDA)coreAyuVis was selected for Virtual BLUE KNIGHT and Johnson & Johnson Innovation – JLABS residency program, a collaboration between JLABS and the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA). This provides access to resources, mentorship, and infrastructure for clinical development.
- MassChallenge AcceleratormajorSelected for MassChallenge Accelerator 2022 Cohort, a leading early-stage accelerator providing mentorship, resources, and startup support for innovative companies.
- TechFWcoreMember company of TechFW, a nonprofit technology business incubator and accelerator in Fort Worth. Provides access to resources, mentorship, and startup support services.
- University of North Texas Health Science Center HSC Next Innovation LabscorePartner in the University of North Texas Health Science Center HSC Next Innovation Labs. Provides lab space and access to research infrastructure. AyuVis participates in the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase 0 grant writing program at HSC Next.
- Drexel University (Dr. Pragnya Das)coreCollaborative research partner for BPD research. Dr. Pragnya Das from Drexel University co-authored publications on AVR-48 in mouse models of BPD and pulmonary hypertension.
- Cooper Health Hospital (Dr. Vineet Bhandari)coreCollaborative research partner with Dr. Vineet Bhandari from Cooper Health Hospital contributing to BPD research and publications.
- University of Cincinnati, Brown University, Washington University in St. LouiscoreAcademic research collaborators for preclinical studies on chitohexaose compounds and sepsis models. Part of Nature Scientific Reports publication on AVR-25.
- UNT Health Science Center Preclinical Service CentercoreUniversity partner providing preclinical service center capabilities and lab space for AyuVis research operations.
Scale indicators7 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights5 records
AyuVis competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- Inotrem: Inotrem is a French clinical-stage biotech developing TREM-1 pathway modulators for septic shock and acute inflammatory conditions. Like AyuVis, it targets the innate immune system to control life-threatening inflammation and infection, making it one of the closest mechanistic and indication-aligned comparables.
- Athersys: Athersys developed MultiStem cell therapy for ARDS and acute inflammatory conditions, directly overlapping AyuVis' ARDS target indication. Both are clinical-stage biotechs pursuing critical-care respiratory inflammation with novel immunomodulatory mechanisms.
- BioAegis Therapeutics: BioAegis is developing recombinant human plasma gelsolin (rhu-pGSN) for ARDS, pneumonia, and inflammation. It shares AyuVis' focus on innate immune modulation for acute respiratory and infectious indications, addressing similar patient populations in ICU settings.
- MediWound: MediWound is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company developing novel biologics for wound care and inflammatory conditions. It is comparable in size, stage, and therapeutic area breadth to AyuVis — small-cap, late-preclinical/early-clinical, with multiple high-unmet-need indications.
- Soligenix: Soligenix is a late-stage clinical biopharma developing small molecule and biologic therapeutics for rare diseases, including inflammation and infectious disease indications. It mirrors AyuVis' small-cap, clinical-stage, multi-indication orphan-disease strategy.
- Apeiron Biologics: Apeiron is developing APN01, a recombinant human ACE2 for COVID-19 ARDS and innate immune modulation. It overlaps with AyuVis on the innate immunity / ARDS axis and pursues similar ICU-focused inflammation and infection indications.
- Paratek Pharmaceuticals: Paratek developed omadacycline and other antibiotics targeting multi-drug resistant infections, including hospital-acquired pneumonia. It is a direct comparable on the anti-infective side of AyuVis' portfolio, particularly for Pseudomonas and resistant pneumonia indications.
- Krystal Biotech: Krystal Biotech is a clinical-to-commercial rare disease biotech that built value through orphan drug designations and platform-based therapies. It represents a comparable trajectory for AyuVis — small-cap biotech leveraging rare disease regulatory pathways for outsized valuations.
Emerging players
- Pluristem Therapeutics: Pluristem developed placenta-derived cell therapies for inflammatory conditions including ARDS and critical care. It overlaps with AyuVis on acute respiratory and inflammatory indications, though via a cell therapy rather than small molecule modality.
Broad incumbents
- Chiesi Group: Chiesi markets Curosurf (poractant alfa) for neonatal respiratory distress syndrome and has a broader respiratory and rare disease portfolio. It is a relevant competitor in the BPD/neonatal respiratory space where AyuVis' lead indication sits, though Chiesi is a much larger established player.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat3 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
AyuVis social profiles
Digital presenceAyuVis compliance and trust
Trust signalCompliance3 records
AyuVis financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
AyuVis leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles11 records
AyuVis funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds2 records
Investors2 records
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
AyuVis M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about AyuVis
What does AyuVis do?
AyuVis is developing a proprietary platform of novel multi-functional small molecule immunotherapies derived from chitohexaose that modulate the innate immune system by stimulating macrophages to control inflammation and infection. The lead clinical-stage candidate AVR-48, with backup compound AVR-25, targets acute respiratory diseases including bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) in preterm infants, acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP), and Pseudomonas aeruginosa pneumonia through TLR4 and CD163 receptor binding.
Is AyuVis a public or private company?
AyuVis is a private company. It is classified as venture growth investor backed and is currently operating.
When was AyuVis founded?
AyuVis was founded in 2014. It employs 1 to 10 people.
Where is AyuVis based?
AyuVis is headquartered in Fort Worth, United States, in the North America region.
How does AyuVis make money?
One revenue line is on record: pharmaceutical Drug Development and Sales.
Who are AyuVis's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are Inotrem, Athersys, BioAegis Therapeutics, MediWound, Soligenix, Apeiron Biologics, Paratek Pharmaceuticals and Krystal Biotech. Pluristem Therapeutics is listed as an emerging player. Chiesi Group is listed as a broad incumbent.
Does AyuVis have an API?
No public API is recorded for AyuVis.
What industry is AyuVis in?
AyuVis's product category is Biopharmaceutical Immunotherapy. Its primary akta.pro industry code is HLAIACAB, Immunology & Autoimmune Specialty Pharmaceuticals. Its NAICS code is 325414 and its SIC code is 2834.