Previous research found that transplanting human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived neural stem/progenitor cells (hiPSC-NS/PCs) promoted motor functional recovery in animal models of spinal cord injury (SCI). hiPSC-NS/PC transplantation has been recently evaluated for subacute SCI in a first clinical trial. However, animal studies revealed that the effectiveness of NS/PC transplantation varies depending on the state of the injured spinal microenvironment, with reduced therapeutic effects in severe models. Hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) is a potent growth factor that promotes tissue regeneration through the MET receptor and constitutes an interesting candidate to enhance the efficacy of NS/PC transplantation.
Zymeworks Inc. has described new antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) consisting of a cysteine engineered full-length antibody (IgG type) targeting hepatocyte growth factor receptor (HGFR; MET) or folate receptor α (FOLR1; FR- α) covalently linked to a cytotoxic drug through a linker reported to be useful for the treatment of cancer.
Kringle Pharma Inc.’s phase II trial evaluating its recombinant human hepatocyte growth factor ligand, oremepermin alfa, failed to meet both primary and secondary endpoints in a study of its potential to help people with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).
Kringle Pharma Inc.’s phase II trial evaluating its recombinant human hepatocyte growth factor ligand, oremepermin alfa, failed to meet both primary and secondary endpoints in a study of its potential to help people with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).
Angion Biomedica Corp. CEO Jay Venkatesan said his firm is ransacking phase II data for “a clear and consistent trend” toward benefit with ANG-3777 before going to the next stage of development with the hepatocyte growth factor mimetic for patients undergoing cardiac surgery involving cardiopulmonary bypass who are at risk for developing acute kidney injury. A decision is due early next year.
Shares of Angion Biomedica Corp. tumbled more than 50% Oct. 27 on disappointing top-line data from its phase III study testing ANG-3777’s ability to improve organ function in patients receiving deceased donor kidney transplants. The company’s management, however, remained cautiously optimistic that the safety results and signals of biological activity could bode well for an exploratory phase II study testing the drug in acute kidney injury associated with cardiac surgery involving cardiopulmonary bypass, which is expected to read out later this quarter.
DUBLIN – Agomab Therapeutics NV raised $74 million in a series B round that attracted two heavyweight U.S. crossover investors, Redmile Group, which led the financing, and Cormorant Asset Management.
DUBLIN – Vifor Pharma Group is paying $60 million, including $30 million up front and $30 million in equity investment, to secure rights to Angion Biomedica Corp.’s hepatocyte growth factor mimetic, ANG-3777, in all nephrology indications.
