AesRx

The lead asset, Aes‑103, an oral small molecule for sickle cell disease, reached Phase II clinical trials and showed promise as a first-in-class anti-sickling agent. It was developed collaboratively with NIH/TRND and received orphan drug designation from the FDA. The company’s second asset targeted inflammatory diseases of the lower intestine but had not advanced to late-stage clinical trials before acquisition.

After its acquisition by Baxter International Inc., further development continued under Baxter’s management.

No commercialized products were reported prior to acquisition.

Early studies indicated that Aes‑103 could reduce red blood cell sickling and related complications such as vaso‑occlusive crisis and severe anemia.