Evaluation of ACT1 to Treat Diabetic Keratopathy

FirstStrings的前导肽ACT1基于connexin43 （Cx43）的c端序列，旨在进入细胞并竞争性地抑制内源性Cx43的结合。Cx43在伤口愈合的多个方面发挥关键作用，包括损伤信号的传播、免疫细胞的外渗、肉芽组织的形成和纤维化。

FirstStrings lead peptide, ACT1, is based on the C-terminal sequence of connexin43 (Cx43) and is designed to enter the cell and competitively inhibit the binding of endogenous Cx43. Cx43 plays critical roles in multiple aspects of wound healing, including spread of injury signals, extravasation of immune cells, granulation tissue formation, and fibrosis. Studies in preclinical models of efficacy show significant enhancement in corneal re-epithelialization and wound closure following ethanol-induced corneal burn injuries in diabetic rats, as compared with controls. This project will involve further development and safety studies of ACT1, a potential therapeutic compound for diabetic keratopathy. The BrIDGs team is collaborating on the completion of the following studies on ACT1: - Formulation development and manufacture of drug product to support Phase I studies - Pharmacokinetic/absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion (PK/ADME) studies - Investigational New Drug (IND)-directed toxicology