Rila Therapeutics, a biotech company dedicated to combating chronic fibrotic diseases, has announced the dosing of the first group of subjects in a phase 1 trial of RLA-23174 in China, in collaboration with Yingli Pharmaceutical. RLA-23174, a novel small molecule allosteric inhibitor of HIPK2, targets TGF-β signaling to address FSGS and other fibrotic conditions. The phase 1 trial, a placebo-controlled study, aims to assess the safety, tolerability, food effect, and pharmacokinetics of RLA-23174 across various dose levels. This single-center trial is enrolling healthy participants and includes staggered cohorts for single ascending doses and multiple ascending doses. With up to 80 patients expected to be enrolled, the trial is projected to be completed by the end of the third quarter of 2024, setting the stage for advancement into the Phase 2 clinical program.

RLA-23174 disrupts the interaction between HIPK2 and Smad3 within the TGF-β/Smad3 signaling pathway, reducing TGF-β signaling without completely inhibiting the kinase activity of HIPK2 or the TGF-β receptor systems. This mechanism offers anti-fibrotic effects while avoiding severe adverse effects associated with complete HIPK2 or TGF-β signaling blockade. Preclinical studies have demonstrated RLA-23174's superior anti-fibrotic effects, significant in vivo activity, favorable pharmacokinetic properties in animals, and a good safety profile. The molecule shows promise in precision medicine innovation.

Rila Therapeutics, highlighted the significance of dosing the first cohort in the human trial, marking a milestone in the company's transition to clinical development.

John He, MD, PhD, Founder and Chief of Nephrology at Icahn Mount Sinai, emphasized the importance of developing more effective drugs to halt the progression of chronic kidney disease (CKD). He believes that anti-fibrosis drugs hold promise in providing additional renal protection in conjunction with current CKD therapies. He views the initiation of the phase 1 clinical trial of RLA-23174 as a crucial step forward in Rila's commitment to discovering and developing novel precision medicines for severe chronic kidney diseases.

 

Source: prnewswire.com

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