- 850 cancer cell lines screened in Broad Institute’s PRISM lab -
- Rencofilstat active on 220 cancer cell lines spanning 86% of cancer types –
Rencofilstat was administered at eight concentrations to each cancer cell line in culture for 5 days, followed by measurement of surviving cells to determine how effectively the drug candidate killed or suppressed proliferation of the cancer cells. Defining “anti-cancer responsiveness” as 50% or greater reduction in viability following treatment, 26% of all tested cancer cell lines (220/850) spanning 86% of cancer cell types (24/28) were responsive to rencofilstat. Some of the rencofilstat-sensitive cell lines were HCC cells, which further supports Hepion’s plans for a clinical trial in this indication. Furthermore, the reductions in viability in responsive cells occurred at drug concentrations similar to those observed in individuals participating in Hepion’s NASH clinical trials. Thus, administration of rencofilstat to cancer patients with the standard regimen of once-daily oral dosing may be efficacious for those with responsive types of cancer.
The screening study also integrated additional information collected by the
“The results from this high-throughput screen provide valuable insights into how rencofilstat directly arrests cancer cells and adds to the discoveries being made from our in-house research. These direct effects on cancer cell lines may be an important part of rencofilstat’s anti-cancer activity,” remarked
About
The Company's lead drug candidate, rencofilstat, is a potent inhibitor of cyclophilins, which are involved in many disease processes. Rencofilstat has been shown to reduce liver fibrosis and hepatocellular carcinoma tumor burden in experimental disease models and is currently in Phase 2 clinical development for the treatment of NASH. In
Hepion has created a proprietary Artificial Intelligence deep machine learning (“AI/ML”) platform designed to better understand disease processes and identify patients that are rencofilstat responders. This AI/ML has the potential to shorten development timelines and increase the observable differences between placebo and treatment groups. In addition, Hepion’s AI/ML can be used to drive its ongoing NASH and HCC clinical development programs and identify other potential therapeutic indications for cyclophilin inhibition with rencofilstat.
Forward-Looking Statements
Certain statements in this press release are forward-looking within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements may be identified by the use of forward-looking words such as “anticipate,” “believe,” “forecast,” “estimated,” and “intend,” among others. These forward-looking statements are based on Hepion Pharmaceuticals’ current expectations and actual results could differ materially. There are a number of factors that could cause actual events to differ materially from those indicated by such forward-looking statements. These factors include, but are not limited to, substantial competition; our ability to continue as a going concern; our need for additional financing; uncertainties of patent protection and litigation; risks associated with delays, increased costs and funding shortages caused by the COVID-19 pandemic; uncertainties with respect to lengthy and expensive clinical trials, that results of earlier studies and trials may not be predictive of future trial results; uncertainties of government or third party payer reimbursement; limited sales and marketing efforts and dependence upon third parties; and risks related to failure to obtain FDA clearances or approvals and noncompliance with FDA regulations. As with any drug candidates under development, there are significant risks in the development, regulatory approval, and commercialization of new products. There are no guarantees that future clinical trials discussed in this press release will be completed or successful, or that any product will receive regulatory approval for any indication or prove to be commercially successful.
For further information, please contact:
Hepion Pharmaceuticals Investor Relations
Direct: (646) 274-3580
skilmer@hepionpharma.com
Source:
2023 GlobeNewswire, Inc., source