INV- 404 &
INV- 405
InVasc’s 400 Series of drug candidates have been designed to inhibit key biological pathways associated with atherosclerosis. Accordingly, these compounds may be useful in preventing and/or reversing plaque formation in individuals at risk for atherosclerosis. The 400 Series compounds represent a “first-in-class” alterative approach in the mature market for atherosclerosis currently represented by the statin class of drugs. Three compounds in the 400 Series, INV-403, 404 and 405, have demonstrated the ability to prevent and reverse the accumulation of plaque associated with atherosclerosis in preclinical models. We are advancing INV-404 and INV-405 into early pharmacokinetic, bioavailability and toxicity studies. Based on these results, a single candidate will be selected for IND submission and clinical evaluation. Assuming successful toxicology and ADME studies, the IND for one of these two candidates could be filed in 2011.
Our 400 Series compounds and their derivatives activate SREBP2, a protein involved in directing the expression of LDL receptors on the surface of liver cells. These receptors can scavenge LDL or bad cholesterol from the blood. Additionally, the 400 Series compounds have anti-inflammatory properties, as evidenced in part by their effects on preventing the activation of the transcription factor nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB). Accordingly, these compounds may also be useful in various inflammatory disorders including but not limited to atherosclerosis, diabetes, inflammatory arthritis (rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis), hypertension and aging. Due to the advancing age of baby-boomers, obesity and a sedentary life style within Western societies, the number of patients requiring cardiometabolic drug intervention continues to grow.
First-in-class drug candidates for atherosclerosis relying on a new mechanism of action
