ALK5 mediates the core profibrotic TGF-β signaling cascade that promotes fibroblast activation, myofibroblast differentiation and extracellular matrix production, ultimately leading to persistent tissue remodeling and lung fibrosis.

Chinese researchers reported the discovery and preclinical characterization of a novel PROTAC degrader designed to target SAMHD1 and intended for the treatment of pulmonary fibrosis.

The memory of Merck & Co. Inc.’s $10 billion takeover last year of inhaled respiratory drug specialist Verona Pharma plc may not have been far from the minds of Wall Street speculators as Avalyn Pharma Inc. priced its IPO, selling about 16.6 million shares at the high end of the targeted range, or $18 each, to reap about $300 million. The stock (NASDAQ:AVLN) came out of the gate strong on the first day of trading and closed April 30 at $29.49, up $11.49, or 64%.

Pulmonary fibrosis (PF) is a fatal lung disease characterized by excessive deposition of extracellular matrix proteins in the lung interstitium due to excessive fibroblast activation, which leads to tissue scarring and potential respiratory failure. Chinese researchers have published results of their investigations into circular RNAs and the pathogenesis of PF.

CF Pharmtech Inc. has announced approval from China’s National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) of an IND application filed by subsidiary Changfeng Suyue Pharmaceutical (Guangzhou) Co. Ltd. for ICF-004.

Animate Biosciences Inc. has released promising preclinical results from a mouse model of pulmonary fibrosis demonstrating that two of its AI-designed therapeutic peptides significantly reduced lung fibrosis and inflammation.

Pulmonary fibrosis is a potentially deadly lung disease characterized by progressive scarring and impaired lung function, with limited treatment options and a poor prognosis. Previous work found that targeting the activation, but not the production, of latent transforming growth factor 1 (TGF-β1) may offer therapeutic benefit in this condition.