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OYE Therapeutics


​ABOUT OYE

OYE Therapeutics is a clinical-stage pharmaceutical development company focused on transforming overlooked or “accepted-as-intractable” clinical problems into solvable challenges. Our mission is to improve existing treatments through breakthrough enhancements that target serious unmet needs in patient care.


The name OYE stands for "Open Your Eyes" — a phrase that reflects both the clinical necessity and metaphorical vision that inspired our founding. It underscores our belief that some of the most important progress in healthcare comes from rethinking problems others have resigned to live with.


Each year, more than 50 million Americans undergo surgery, yet there is still no approved drug to reverse the effects of general anesthesia. Our lead candidate is a novel injectable formulation designed to change that — offering a fast, safe, and effective solution to restore consciousness and cognitive function in the postoperative setting.


Backed by promising preclinical research and a robust translational strategy, OYE Therapeutics is working in collaboration with the U.S. Military as a co-development partner, bringing both strategic insight and non-dilutive funding to accelerate our clinical path. This partnership reflects the urgent need for rapid-recovery solutions in both civilian and defense medicine.


Our work is grounded in a versatile platform technology that has the potential to address multiple unmet clinical needs related to sedation, consciousness, and neurologic function. This approach is protected by a significant intellectual property portfolio, positioning us strongly for long-term impact across multiple therapeutic areas.


At OYE Therapeutics, we believe in taking bold, science-driven steps to restore clarity, agency, and quality of life to patients when it matters most.

THE PROBLEM: OPIOID INDUCED RESPIRATORY DEPRESSION

Opioid Induced Respiratory Depression (OIRD) is a serious concern associated with the use of opioid medications. When opioids bind to receptors in the brainstem, they can suppress the body's natural drive to breathe, potentially leading to shallow or slowed breathing, and in severe cases, respiratory arrest. Naloxone is the gold standard in treating opioid induced respiratory depression, but it has limitations.

 

LIMITATIONS OF NALOXONE ALONE

1. Short Half-Life: Naloxone has a relatively short duration of action compared to many opioids, requiring careful monitoring and possibly repeated dosing to prevent recurrence of respiratory depression.


2. Potential for Rebound Respiratory Depression: In some cases, the rapid reversal of opioid effects by naloxone can lead to a transient period of rebound respiratory depression, necessitating ongoing monitoring and supportive care.

SOLUTION: OYE’S HI-CON CAFFEINE

OYE's Novel High-Concentration Caffeine (Hi-Con Caffeine) is an adjunct or alternative intervention in opioid overdose management due to its central nervous system (CNS) stimulant properties. Here are some of the potential benefits of using high-concentration caffeine in opioid overdoses:

Respiratory Stimulation

Caffeine is a known respiratory stimulant. It works by enhancing the responsiveness of the respiratory centers in the brainstem, potentially counteracting opioid-induced respiratory depression (OIRD).

Longer Duration of Action

Unlike naloxone, which has a short half-life and may require multiple doses, caffeine’s effects tend to last longer, possibly providing more sustained respiratory support in cases where long-acting opioids are involved.