Proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type-9 (PCSK9) is highly expressed in adult hepatocytes. PCSK9 binds to and promotes the degradation of the low-density lipoprotein (LDL) receptor, thereby increasing LDL cholesterol levels. PCSK9 inhibition has emerged as a promising strategy for cardiovascular diseases. However, it is still unclear whether PCSK9 can trigger blood vessel inflammation directly modulating monocytes or endothelial cells independently of LDL receptor.
Repair Biotechnologies Inc. has reported new data showing that its lipid nanoparticle (LNP)/messenger RNA (mRNA) therapy rapidly reversed the progression of atherosclerosis in mouse models applicable to familial hypercholesterolemia as well as atherosclerosis in the broader population.
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.