Max Biopharma Inc. and Metaba LLC are collaborating to study the effects of oxysterol drug candidates that target metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH, formerly nonalcoholic steatohepatitis or NASH), idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, chronic inflammation, and atherosclerosis on metabolic processes.
Atherosclerosis occurs in arterial regions with disturbed blood flow, where endothelial cells are exposed to stress, thus activating proatherogenic signals that promote endothelial dysfunction and reprogramming, among others. Researchers have identified heart development protein with EGF like domains 1 (HEG1) as a flow-sensitive gene in murine artery endothelial cells.
Bitterroot Bio Inc. presented data on an anti-CD47 hybrid protein, BRB-002, tested in a murine model of atherosclerosis. BRB-002 was tested at 2.5 or 10 mg/kg i.p. 3x/week after a high-fat diet. Firstly, BRB-002 was seen to bind CD47 with high affinity in several cell lines, but not in Jurkat CD47-knockout cells.
Researchers from Beijing Inno Medicine Co. Ltd. recently reported preclinical data for the novel liposome encapsulated rosuvastatin calcium candidate, YN-001, being developed for the treatment of atherosclerosis.
In recent work, researchers from Mount Sinai School of Medicine applied a drug repurposing approach to identify candidates that could target inflammation in atherosclerosis.
Seeking to repurpose a validated oncology drug target for atherosclerosis is Bitterroot Bio Inc., a biotech company that introduced itself to the world on the back of a sizable $145 million series A, funds it intends to use to advance its lead monoclonal antibody, BRB-002, toward the clinic.
Heart disease caused by damage to blood vessels is the leading cause of death worldwide. Arteries become clogged with fats and cholesterol when certain proteins in the body, known as lipoproteins, combine with and transport fats in the blood to cells. Scientists have long believed that the LDL receptor molecule was responsible for the intracellular transport of LDL. But given that some individuals lacking the LDL receptor still have high levels of LDL, questions remain about the mechanism.
Merck & Co. revealed the structure of an orally active and potent proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin-type 9 (PCSK9) inhibitor macrocyclic peptide, MK-0616, which is being developed for the potential treatment of hypercholesterolemia and atherosclerosis.
