Tvardi Therapeutics Inc. rebounded from a phase II blowup last fall in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) with oral STAT3 inhibitor TTI-101 by showing that a next-gen phosphate prodrug dubbed TTI-109 kept its potency in phase I without gastrointestinal (GI) troubles.

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), a chronic, progressive disease of unknown etiology, is the most common and fatal interstitial lung disease. Currently available treatments for IPF, such as pirfenidone and nintedanib, can slow disease progression and reduce mortality in patients who can tolerate them. However, these drugs frequently cause significant side effects and have been unable to improve quality of life in pivotal trials, which highlights the critical need for discovering novel IPF treatment strategies.

The microbiome and a frontline innate antimicrobial sensor, Toll-like receptor 5 (TLR5), play an essential role in the development of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). A scientific collaboration led by researchers at the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences has revealed how TLR5 protects against fibrosis through its ability to modulate the lung microbiome. Their study also shows that activating TLR5 protects against fibrosis and corrects pulmonary dysbiosis.

Oorja Bio Inc., named after the phonetic spelling of “energy” in Sanskrit, secured $30 million from founding investor Westlake Biopartners in a series A financing round to advance its in-licensing approach to develop drugs for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) and other fibrotic and cardiopulmonary diseases.

Seaport Therapeutics Inc. joined Nasdaq May 1, raising gross proceeds of $254.9 million, as its parent, Boston-based Puretech Health plc moved to exit the market, opting for a sole listing on the London Stock Exchange (LSE) in order to reduce its cost base and cut bureaucracy.

“Single drugs targeting single biological pathways are insufficient for complex diseases,” Remedy Cell Ltd. CEO Ayelet Dilion Mashiah told BioWorld. Remedy is taking a secretome-based approach to treat lung disorders, having moved its lead asset, RC-0315, into a first-in-human clinical trial for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) in January.

“Single drugs targeting single biological pathways are insufficient for complex diseases,” Remedy Cell Ltd. CEO Ayelet Dilion Mashiah told BioWorld. Remedy is taking a secretome-based approach to treat lung disorders, having moved its lead asset, RC-0315, into a first-in-human clinical trial for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) in January. Secretomes refer to the collection of bioactive molecules secreted by cells in the extracellular space, including proteins, enzymes, growth factors and extracellular vesicles such as exosomes.