Maze Therapeutics Inc. recently presented data from preclinical studies of a small-molecule APOL1 pore function inhibitor, MZ-301, describing the compound’s in vitro and in vivo activity. APOL1 G1 and G2 genetic variants are associated with an increased risk of progressive kidney diseases in African ancestry people. There are no APOL1-targeted therapies addressing the underlying driver of these diseases.

Gmax Biopharm LLC has received FDA clearance of its IND filing for GMA-131 injection, an ETa receptor-specific monoclonal antibody, for a phase Ib study in diabetic kidney disease (DKD).

Saniona AB has completed preclinical development with SAN-903 and is ready to start the regulatory process for entering phase I trials either alone or together with a partner. SAN-903 is a novel, potential first-in-class medicine based on inhibition of the calcium-activated potassium ion channel KCa3.1.

Revelation Biosciences Inc. announced positive results for REVTx-300 in a preclinical model of acute kidney injury (AKI), a type of chronic kidney disease (CKD).

Transcenta Holding Ltd. has received IND clearance from the FDA for TST-004, its best-in-class, humanized monoclonal antibody targeting mannose-binding protein-associated serine protease 2 (MASP2), for IgA nephropathy (IgAN).

Understanding how alternative splicing is regulated and how it contributes to disease pathogenesis might open new therapeutic options for the treatment of diabetic nephropathy (DN). Bcl-2-like protein 1 (BCL2L1), also known as BCLX, for which two alternative splicing forms (Bcl-xL and Bcl-xS) have been seen to have antagonistic effects.

Sphingosine 1-phosphate (S1P) is a pleiotropic mediator involved in a variety of cellular functions. It is a product of cell membrane sphingolipid catabolism as it is generated from sphingosine intracellularly by sphingosine kinases 1 and 2 (SphK1 and SphK2), and it is exported from cells by spinster homolog 2 (Spns2) or major facilitator superfamily 2b (Mfsd2b).