A Novel Therapeutic for Liver Fibrosis

描述（由申请人提供）：酒精性和非酒精性肝纤维化对肝病学家来说仍然是一个未解决的挑战，因为它可能导致肝硬化和终末期肝病，这是一种危及生命的疾病，需要肝移植。目前治疗肝纤维化的治疗策略包括改变饮食、生活方式和/或药物，以减轻疾病的潜在原因。由于肝病通常是在瘢痕形成后诊断出来的，因此迫切需要对抗纤维化的分子和细胞程序并激活基质降解途径的辅助策略。纤维化肝病模型的大量临床前数据表明内源性肽激素松弛素（H2R）的胶原分解代谢活性。将这些发现转化为临床方案的过程非常缓慢，这在很大程度上是由于重组人（rh） H2R商业化生产的成本和后勤困难。利用分子模型和基于药物化学的药物设计，Angion Biomedica开发了一个单链，短长度的h2r样肽库，可以化学合成，并可能提供比rhH2R治疗更多的临床和商业优势。SBIR I期研究已经从该文库中确定了一种主要的抗纤维化候选药物ANG-4011，它具有优异的药物样特性，并且在多种肾和肝纤维化临床前模型中具有治疗作用，反对肾脏和肝脏的基质沉积。与

DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): Alcoholic and non-alcoholic liver fibrosis remains an unsolved challenge for the hepatologist as it can lead to cirrhosis and end-stage liver disease, a life-threatening condition that necessitates liver transplantation. Current therapeutic strategies for the treatment of liver fibrosis include changes in diet, life-style and/or medications to allevate the underlying cause of disease. Since liver disease is typically diagnosed following significant scar formation, adjuvant strategies that oppose the molecular and cellular program of fibrosis that drives liver disease and activate matrix degrading pathways are urgently required. A preponderance of preclinical data in models of fibrotic liver disease speaks to collagen catabolizing activity of endogenous peptide hormone Relaxin (H2R). Translation of these findings into clinical regimen has been painfully slow in large part due to the costs and logistica difficulties associated with commercial production of recombinant human (rh) H2R. Using molecular modeling-and medicinal chemistry-based drug design, Angion Biomedica has developed a library of single chain, short length H2R-like peptides that can be chemically synthesized and potentially offer multiple clinico-commercial advantages over rhH2R therapy. SBIR Phase I studies have identified a lead antifibrotic candidate, ANG-4011, from within this library, that has excellent drug-like properties and is therapeutic in multiple preclinical models f renal and hepatic fibrosis, opposing matrix deposition in kidney and liver. In partnership with the internationally recognized laboratory of Prof. Kathryn Uhrich (Rutgers University, NJ), and representing a landmark step in sustained in vivo delivery of peptides, we have developed a clinically compatible, biodegradable, microsphere-based extended release formulation for ANG-4011. The proposed milestone-driven SBIR Phase II study is designed to make a comprehensive evaluation of our lead candidate in preclinical models of liver fibrosis while optimizing its delivery. Data from this SBIR Phase II program will allow for entry of this lead candidate to the preclinical safety/toxicology battery to be completed under the aegis of the SBIR Phase IIb competing renewal mechanism. The ultimate objective of this program is to bring an H2R-like antifibrotic to clinical trials for treatment of liver fibrosis.