LifeRaft Biosciences Relaunches to Advance Vepoloxamer, a Cell Membrane-Repair Platform, Back into the Clinic

 John Lunger appointed Chief Executive Officer and Arun Kejariwal appointed Chief Operating Officer; lead program targets radiation-induced severe oral mucositis in head and neck cancer

Philadelphia, PA, October 29, 2026 — LifeRaft Biosciences, Inc. today announced its relaunch to develop Vepoloxamer, an investigational, pharmaceutical-grade purified form of poloxamer 188 designed to seal damaged cell membranes. Membrane breakdown is an early step in a cascade of cellular injury that drives tissue damage after radiation, burns, trauma and ischemia. The company also announced the appointment of John Lunger as Chief Executive Officer and Arun Kejariwal as Chief Operating Officer.

 LifeRaft's lead program is in radiation-induced severe oral mucositis (RI-SOM) in patients receiving radiation therapy for head and neck cancer. Each year, approximately 90,000 patients in the US, EU and UK receive radiation for these cancers, and 60–70% develop severe (Grade 3+) oral mucositis, often requiring opioids, feeding tubes or hospitalization. There is currently no FDA-approved therapy to prevent it. In preclinical models, Vepoloxamer reduced radiation damage to non-targeted tissue without interfering with radiation's effect on tumors. The company also has a preclinical program in acute burns. 

LifeRaft builds on a substantial existing foundation: more than 500 human exposures to Vepoloxamer in prior clinical trials in other indications, a complete IND package from a prior Phase 3 program and composition-of-matter patent protection through 2035. The company plans to initiate a Phase 1b/2a proof-of-concept study in RI-SOM.

“I’m excited to relaunch LifeRaft Biosciences, the company I founded in 2017 to develop Vepoloxamer in new indications,” said David Waters, Chairman of the Board and lead investor. “With John Lunger as CEO and Arun Kejariwal as COO, we have the right team to lead us back into the clinic.”

“Vepoloxamer is a remarkably versatile molecule, and I’m excited to lead the team that will bring it back into the clinic,” said John Lunger, Chief Executive Officer of LifeRaft Biosciences. “Patients with head and neck cancer face a debilitating toxicity from radiation therapy with no approved way to prevent it, and we believe this mechanism can extend to burns and other acute injuries.”  

“Our advantage is that much of the groundwork is already done,” said Arun Kejariwal, Chief Operating Officer of LifeRaft Biosciences. “With GMP drug substance on hand, a complete IND package and prior human exposure, we’re focused on reaching first patient in 2028.”

About LifeRaft Biosciences

 LifeRaft Biosciences, Inc. is a Philadelphia, PA-based biotechnology company developing Vepoloxamer, an investigational, purified form of poloxamer 188 that seals damaged cell membranes to interrupt the cascade of cellular injury that follows radiation, burns, trauma and ischemia. The company’s lead program is in radiation-induced severe oral mucositis in patients receiving radiation therapy for head and neck cancer, with a second, preclinical program in acute burns. Because the same membrane-repair mechanism applies wherever cell membranes are damaged, LifeRaft sees potential across oncology supportive care and acute injury. Vepoloxamer is investigational and has not been approved by the FDA or any other regulatory authority. For more information, visit www.liferaftbio.com.  

Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains forward-looking statements, including statements regarding LifeRaft’s development plans, clinical trial timing and the therapeutic potential of Vepoloxamer. These statements are based on current expectations and are subject to risks and uncertainties, including those inherent in drug development and financing, that could cause actual results to differ materially.

 LifeRaft undertakes no obligation to update these statements. Media Contact John Lunger CEO, LifeRaft Biosciences john@liferaftbio.com; 484-238-6359