Nutrivert is developing an entirely new class of medicine: an inflammation-sparing NOD2 agonist that delivers broad-spectrum, host-directed pre-exposure prophylaxis against viral diseases.
Nutrivert, based in Atlanta, is a preclinical-stage biotechnology company with worldwide exclusive patent rights to a breakthrough inflammation-sparing NOD2 agonist platform.
The Problem
For 75 years, broad-spectrum antibiotics have transformed bacterial infections. Viral diseases deserve the same breakthrough: a simple prophylactic that prevents symptoms from common colds to pandemic threats like flu or coronavirus.
The Solution
Unlike narrow-spectrum antivirals, Nutrivert’s compounds work by calming hyperreactive inflammation—the primary driver of symptoms in most viral infections—while strengthening the immune response.
The NOD2 pathway is evolutionarily ancient and universal, yet only recently elucidated. Nutrivert’s ligands are unique in directly suppressing the inflammatory signal NF-κB, enabling inflammation-sparing immunostimulation: enhanced immunity without the debilitating inflammatory overreaction.
Leadership Team
- Horace Nalle – CEO
Former Merck leader on blockbuster launches Zocor (simvastatin) and Proscar (finasteride). Served as CEO of Hubbard/ISA (Merck’s poultry genetics) and Head of Regulatory Affairs at Merial (now Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica). Deep animal health experience with Ivomec, Heartgard, Frontline, and NexGard. - Bernhard Kaltenboeck – CSO
Professor Emeritus, Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine. Inventor of patented fluorescent probe real-time PCR diagnostic platform with national leadership in coronavirus diagnostics for companion animals. - Peter Selover – CFO
Former CEO of Exubrion Therapeutics, President/COO of Sage Veterinary Imaging, Head of Global Business Development and Corporate Strategy at Merial, and Regional Treasurer at Merck.
The team combines blockbuster drug development, regulatory expertise, and capital-efficient execution to advance this novel compound class toward licensing to Big Pharma.
Nutrivert pursues a dual-track strategy: faster-to-market veterinary medicine followed by human health applications.
Veterinary Medicine
- Target: License technology to leading animal health or nutrition companies.
- Current traction: Three of the top four animal pharma companies have accessed the data room; one has proposed in-house studies of Nutrivert’s compound.
Human Health
- Capital-efficient path: Maximize non-dilutive federal grants to minimize equity dilution.
- One dual-purpose grant application pending; human-focused application planned for 4Q25.
- Upon funding, engage CROs and CMOs to advance development toward Big Pharma licensing.
Long-term revenue will come from sales of approved medicines, most likely realized through an acquisition exit to a strategic partner.
Near-term development will be funded through venture and strategic investments combined with non-dilutive government grants.
Investment Opportunity
Nutrivert is raising $5 million to achieve critical de-risking milestones across both veterinary and human programs.
Use of Proceeds
| Milestone | Program | Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Validate extended-release injection | Human | Reach TRL5 |
| Phase 1 scale-up of GMP API manufacturing | Both | De-risk CMC/COGS |
| IND-enabling studies | Human | Enable Phase I clinical trials |
| Human food safety studies | Veterinary | Support regulatory approval |
| All prerequisites to pivotal studies | Veterinary | Equivalent to human Phase III |
These milestones collectively de-risk regulatory approval by addressing manufacturing, safety, and long-acting efficacy.
Nutrivert advances a dual veterinary/human pipeline with shared development efficiencies.
Current Status
- Veterinary Program
At TRL5. Commercial launch targeted for 1Q28 via faster, lower-cost veterinary pathway. - Human Program
At TRL4. Expected to reach TRL5 in 2026 upon validation of extended-release formulation, enabling Phase I clinical studies.
Key Achievements
- Proof-of-concept demonstrated in pigs (preferred translational model for human disease).
- FDA approval of drug synthesis route and concurrence on starting materials.
- Initial toxicology study in rats completed.
- Comprehensive tox program planned for 2026–27 benefiting both programs.
- Pivotal (Phase III-equivalent) studies in pigs planned for 2026–27.
Strategic focus on non-dilutive federal grants maximizes value while minimizing dilution.
Nutrivert has raised $2,150,410 to date.
Funding Breakdown
| Source | Type | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Yield Lab | Dilutive | $70,000 |
| Spark Labs Cultiv8 | Dilutive | $80,000 |
| Cultiv8 | Dilutive | $1,500,000 |
| Subtotal Dilutive | $1,650,000 | |
| Georgia Research Alliance | Non-Dilutive (Loan) | $250,410 |
| Central Life Sciences | Non-Dilutive (Option Fee) | $250,000 |
| Subtotal Non-Dilutive | $500,410 | |
| Total Raised | $2,150,410 |
