https://www.bioworld.com/rss en-us Opko Health Inc. has recently presented data for their GLP-1/glucagon receptor dual agonist OPK-88006, which is in preclinical development for the treatment of metabolic disease, including metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH) and obesity. http://www.bioworld.com/articles/726542 Tue, 25 Nov 2025 08:00:00 -0500 https://www.bioworld.com/articles/726542-opkos-opk-88006-shows-hepatoprotection-in-mash Liver disease Though immune checkpoint inhibitors have improved the outcomes of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), the response rates remain limited. At the annual meeting of the American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases, researchers highlighted N-lysine methyltransferase SMYD2 as an oncogenic protein overexpressed in several tumor types. http://www.bioworld.com/articles/726523 Mon, 24 Nov 2025 08:00:00 -0500 https://www.bioworld.com/articles/726523-aasld-az-505-exerts-antitumoral-activity-in-hcc Illustration of tumor in the liver In preclinical studies at Sunshine Lake Pharma Co. Ltd., researchers investigated the antiviral and immune-modulatory potential of HEC-191834, a novel and highly selective human Toll-like receptor 8 (TLR8) agonist, in chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) models, as well as its activity when combined with siRNA. http://www.bioworld.com/articles/726280 Tue, 18 Nov 2025 08:00:00 -0500 https://www.bioworld.com/articles/726280-synergistic-antiviral-efficacy-of-hec-191834-with-sirna-in-hbv-models Bluejay Therapeutics Inc.’s lead compound, the fully human monoclonal antibody brelovitug (BJT-778), produced positive virologic response data in the company’s phase II study of chronic hepatitis D virus, a condition with no approved treatment in the U.S. http://www.bioworld.com/articles/726111 Tue, 11 Nov 2025 12:00:00 -0500 https://www.bioworld.com/articles/726111-bluejay-way-positive-phase-ii-data-for-treating-hepatitis-d Liver anatomy with virus Phase II data being presented at the American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases annual meeting indicate drug development in the field of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH) is making steady progress. http://www.bioworld.com/articles/725887 Fri, 07 Nov 2025 12:00:00 -0500 https://www.bioworld.com/articles/725887-mash-prospects-from-rivus-metavia-show-promise-in-phase-ii Liver over digital lens background Ausperbio Therapeutics Inc. raised $110 million from two financing rounds in 2024 to advance its lead antisense oligonucleotide candidate as a functional cure for chronic hepatitis B. http://www.bioworld.com/articles/715880 Tue, 31 Dec 2024 12:00:00 -0500 https://www.bioworld.com/articles/715880-ausperbio-bags-73m-series-b-for-hep-b-targeting-rna-therapy Hepatitis B virus rendering Hepatitis B virus. Credit: NIAID, CC BY 2.0. Ausperbio Therapeutics Inc. raised $110 million from two financing rounds in 2024 to advance its lead antisense oligonucleotide candidate as a functional cure for chronic hepatitis B. http://www.bioworld.com/articles/715774 Mon, 30 Dec 2024 12:00:00 -0500 https://www.bioworld.com/articles/715774-ausperbio-bags-73m-series-b-for-hep-b-targeting-rna-therapy Hepatitis B virus rendering Hepatitis B virus. Credit: NIAID, CC BY 2.0. Researchers from E-Therapeutics plc presented preclinical data for ETX-312, a GalNAc-conjugated short interfering RNA (siRNA), produced using the Galomic platform and being developed for the treatment of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH). http://www.bioworld.com/articles/715062 Thu, 05 Dec 2024 09:00:00 -0500 https://www.bioworld.com/articles/715062-new-sirna-therapy-candidate-etx-312-shows-efficacy-in-mash-mouse-model Liver and DNA Researchers from Suzhou Siran Biotech Co. Ltd. presented the discovery and preclinical characterization of SA-1211, an N-acetylgalactosamine (GalNAc)-conjugated siRNA dimer targeting both hepatitis B virus (HBV) and PD-L1 gene expression, being developed as a potential new therapeutic candidate for the treatment of chronic hepatitis B (CHB). N-acetylgalactosamine (GalNAc)-conjugated siRNA dimer targeting both hepatitis B virus (HBV) and PD-L1 gene expression, being developed as a potential new therapeutic candidate for the treatment of chronic hepatitis B (CHB).]]> http://www.bioworld.com/articles/715090 Wed, 04 Dec 2024 09:00:00 -0500 https://www.bioworld.com/articles/715090-sa-1211-a-dual-target-sirna-with-promising-antiviral-activity-in-aav-hbv-mice Hepatitis B virus Tune Therapeutics Inc. is evaluating Tune-401. http://www.bioworld.com/articles/715028 Wed, 04 Dec 2024 09:00:00 -0500 https://www.bioworld.com/articles/715028-preclinical-characterization-of-tune-401-a-first-in-class-lnp-encapsulated-epigenetic-silencer-therapy-for-hepatitis-b Recently presented preclinical data show that EA Pharma Co. Ltd.'s EA-3571 is a highly potent dual inhibitor of enteropeptidase and trypsin with luminal action, resulting in potential anti-insulin resistance and fat-burning properties. http://www.bioworld.com/articles/715050 Tue, 03 Dec 2024 09:00:00 -0500 https://www.bioworld.com/articles/715050-ea-3571-a-dual-inhibitor-of-enteropeptidase-and-trypsin-with-efficacy-in-mouse-model-of-mash Genfit SA and its collaborators have described the preclinical efficacy of SRT-015, a liver-selective ASK1 inhibitor in models of liver failure. http://www.bioworld.com/articles/715007 Tue, 03 Dec 2024 09:00:00 -0500 https://www.bioworld.com/articles/715007-srt-015-prevents-acute-liver-injury-in-preclinical-tests Researchers from presented preclinical data for AVX-70371, a novel therapeutic vaccine being developed for the treatment of chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. http://www.bioworld.com/articles/714961 Mon, 02 Dec 2024 09:00:00 -0500 https://www.bioworld.com/articles/714961-therapeutic-hepatitis-b-vaccine-generates-robust-hbc-specific-t-cell-responses-in-preclinical-tests Transmission electron micrograph of hepatitis B virus particles Hepatitis B virus particles. Credit: NIAID/NIH and CDC Recently presented preclinical data show that EA Pharma Co. Ltd.'s EA-3571 is a highly potent dual inhibitor of enteropeptidase and trypsin with luminal action, resulting in potential anti-insulin resistance and fat-burning properties. http://www.bioworld.com/articles/714957 Mon, 02 Dec 2024 09:00:00 -0500 https://www.bioworld.com/articles/714957-ea-3571-a-dual-inhibitor-of-enteropeptidase-and-trypsin-with-efficacy-in-mouse-model-of-mash The enzyme aminocarboxymuconate semialdehyde decarboxylase (ACMSD) is a regulator of de novo NAD+ synthesis and is reduced in patients with advanced liver disease. http://www.bioworld.com/articles/714929 Fri, 29 Nov 2024 09:00:00 -0500 https://www.bioworld.com/articles/714929-orsobio-acmsd-inhibitor-reverses-liver-injury-in-preclinical-models A microscopic image of liver tissue affected by metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease. Liver tissue affected by metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (previously known as nonalcoholic fatty liver disease). The large and small white spots are excess fat droplets filling liver cells (hepatocytes). Credit: David Kleiner, National Cancer Institute, NIH Rectify Pharmaceuticals Inc. has conducted preclinical testing on RTY-694, an oral dual-targeted positive functional modulator for use in the treatment of hepatobiliary disorders. http://www.bioworld.com/articles/714913 Thu, 28 Nov 2024 09:00:00 -0500 https://www.bioworld.com/articles/714913-dual-targeted-approach-for-hepatobiliary-diseases-presented Liver NLRP3 inflammasome activation, pro-inflammatory cytokine production and pyroptosis are key features of inflammation that contribute to liver fibrosis progression, cirrhosis and end-stage liver failure. Pyroptosis, a lytic form of inflammatory-regulated cell death, is regulated by multiprotein complexes expressed in both parenchymal and nonparenchymal hepatic cells. Researchers from Genfit SA presented preclinical efficacy data on CLM-022, a synthetic pentacyclic triterpenoid derivative designed to target the NLRP3 complex. http://www.bioworld.com/articles/714862 Wed, 27 Nov 2024 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.bioworld.com/articles/714862-clm-022-an-nlrp3-inflammasome-inhibitor-reverses-chronic-and-acute-liver-inflammation Liver illustration Enanta Pharmaceuticals Inc. has released preclinical pharmacokinetics (PK) data for EDP-514, a potent and selective class II core assembly modulator in phase I development for the oral treatment of hepatitis B. http://www.bioworld.com/articles/714727 Fri, 22 Nov 2024 09:00:00 -0500 https://www.bioworld.com/articles/714727-edp-514-demonstrates-favorable-preclinical-pk-profile-excellent-target-tissue-penetration The efficacy and capabilities of CVI Pharmaceuticals Inc.'s CVI-2742, a THR-β agonist, were tested in nonhuman primates. http://www.bioworld.com/articles/714695 Thu, 21 Nov 2024 09:00:00 -0500 https://www.bioworld.com/articles/714695-new-preclinical-data-on-cvi-2742-for-treating-mash As a consequence of chronic liver disease progression, severe cirrhosis, decompensation and fibrosis culminates in end-stage liver disease (ESLD). There are no treatment options approved for ESLD, but, among others, regenerative therapies with autologous, nonengineered, pro-regenerative macrophages have shown good tolerability and improved transplant-free survival in the clinical setting. http://www.bioworld.com/articles/714684 Thu, 21 Nov 2024 09:00:00 -0500 https://www.bioworld.com/articles/714684-rtx-001-an-engineered-macrophage-therapy-with-hepatic-regenerative-effects Astrazeneca plc has developed a potent oral fibroblast activation protein (FAP) inhibitor, AZD-2389, that avoids the cleavage of FGF21 and α2-AP. AZD-2389 was tested in cynomolgus monkeys with diet-induced MASH. http://www.bioworld.com/articles/714598 Wed, 20 Nov 2024 09:00:00 -0500 https://www.bioworld.com/articles/714598-fap-inhibitor-azd-2389-improves-liver-fibrosis-and-mash Photomicrograph of liver biopsy in a patient with cirrhosis. Photomicrograph of liver biopsy in a patient with cirrhosis, showing bridging septal fibrosis and regenerative nodules. Stained with trichrome to highlight fibrosis (blue). LW-231, under development by Shanghai Longwood Biopharmaceuticals Co. Ltd., is a novel bifunctional molecule designed to simultaneously modulate hepatitis B virus (HBV) capsid assembly and activate cGAS-STING pathway. Preclinical data were recently presented. http://www.bioworld.com/articles/703299 Thu, 30 Nov 2023 09:00:00 -0500 https://www.bioworld.com/articles/703299-bifunctional-molecule-capsid-modulator-and-cgas-agonist-achieves-complete-cure-in-aav-hbv-mice Researchers from Lerna Biopharma Pte. Ltd. (formerly Cargene Therapeutics Pte. Ltd.) recently presented the discovery and preclinical evaluation of a first-in-class GalNAc-siRNA therapeutic, CG-LR1, being developed for the treatment of liver diseases. http://www.bioworld.com/articles/703075 Thu, 23 Nov 2023 09:00:00 -0500 https://www.bioworld.com/articles/703075-lerna-biopharma-presents-first-in-class-galnac-sirna-therapeutic-for-treatment-of-liver-diseases Illustration of the liver, gallbladder, stomach, and pancreas Researchers from Ipsen Ltd. and affiliated organizations presented the discovery and preclinical characterization of a novel NTCP inhibitor, A-7387, being developed for the treatment of HBV and HDV infections. http://www.bioworld.com/articles/703032 Tue, 21 Nov 2023 09:00:00 -0500 https://www.bioworld.com/articles/703032-a-7387-inhibits-bile-acid-transporter-and-blocks-hepatitis-infection Transmission electron micrograph of hepatitis B virus particles Hepatitis B virus particles. Credit: NIAID/NIH and CDC Omega Therapeutics Inc. has presented preclinical data on hepatocyte nuclear factor 4-alpha (HNF4A) modulation in fibrotic liver disease models to enhance its key role and suggest it as a potent therapeutic target. http://www.bioworld.com/articles/703025 Tue, 21 Nov 2023 09:00:00 -0500 https://www.bioworld.com/articles/703025-hnf4a-upregulation-confers-protection-in-liver-fibrosis Liver disease Researchers from Aligos Therapeutics Inc. presented preclinical data for ALG-001075, a novel capsid assembly modulator leading to the formation of empty capsids (CAM-E), being developed for the treatment of hepatitis B. http://www.bioworld.com/articles/703011 Mon, 20 Nov 2023 09:00:00 -0500 https://www.bioworld.com/articles/703011-alg-001075-demonstrates-promising-preclinical-resistance-profile 3D print imagery of hepatitis B virus Hepatitis B virus illustration. Credit: NIAID, NHS. Researchers from Aligos Therapeutics Inc. have presented the discovery and preclinical evaluation of a novel next-generation liver targeted PD-L1 small molecule inhibitor, ALG-094103, which is being developed for the treatment of chronic hepatitis B and liver cancer. http://www.bioworld.com/articles/702928 Wed, 15 Nov 2023 09:00:00 -0500 https://www.bioworld.com/articles/702928-alg-094103-is-liver-targeted-orally-available-pd-l1-inhibitor It’s known that interferon-alpha (IFNα) activates interferon-stimulated genes (ISGs) and disrupts the hepatitis B virus (HBV) replication cycle. Pegylated (PEG)-IFNα has been widely used for its immunomodulatory and antiviral properties but it is not always well tolerated and thus its use is limited. http://www.bioworld.com/articles/702867 Wed, 15 Nov 2023 09:00:00 -0500 https://www.bioworld.com/articles/702867-ifn-like-small-molecules-successfully-inhibit-hbv-replication 3D illustration of interferon-alpha molecular structure Modern molecular techniques have progressed to the point where sequencing can seem almost quaint. At the Basic Science Symposium of The Liver Meeting 2022, new techniques were on full display, with sessions devoted to epigenetics, microbiome analysis and spatial transcriptomics. But the first session was still on genetic variants in all their forms – rare variants, common variants and non-germline mutations. http://www.bioworld.com/articles/691345 Mon, 07 Nov 2022 12:00:00 -0500 https://www.bioworld.com/articles/691345-at-aasld-2022-polygenic-risk-score-subtypes-nafld Liver illustration Credit: Georgia State University In contrast to most adult mammalian tissues, the liver can regenerate itself to an impressive degree. That regeneration is critical to survival – as a key digestive organ, the liver deals with all sorts of toxins, from rotten-ish food in the wild to alcohol in more cultured settings. http://www.bioworld.com/articles/513404 Tue, 16 Nov 2021 09:00:00 -0500 https://www.bioworld.com/articles/513404-aasld-meeting-cholangiocytes-can-induce-liver-regeneration Liver illustration Credit: Georgia State University