Walden Biosciences, Inc. (Walden), a private biotechnology company concentrating on revolutionizing the treatment of kidney disease, has recently disclosed the expansion of its research collaboration with the University of Michigan at Ann Arbor (U-M).

This extension involves the incorporation of biomarker analysis of plasma samples from Walden's Phase 1+ clinical study of WAL0921. WAL0921 is Walden's pioneering humanized monoclonal antibody designed to target soluble urokinase plasminogen activator receptor (suPAR) and hinder its pro-inflammatory actions leading to podocyte dysfunction and renal disease. The collaboration agreement stipulates that Walden and U-M will investigate the effects of reducing suPAR levels in plasma, observed in Walden's recently concluded single ascending dose study of WAL0921 in healthy subjects. Walden will contribute clinical samples, materials, data analysis, and may carry out experiments to support U-M's proteomic analysis.

This collaboration builds upon the partnership initiated in July 2022 between Walden and U-M's Principal Investigator, Dr. Salim Hayek, a distinguished figure for characterizing suPAR as a pathogenic factor and druggable target in kidney disease. Dr. Hayek, also a member of Walden Biosciences' Scientific Advisory Board, is leading innovative research in genetics and Mendelian randomization analysis of suPAR.

Expressing excitement about the collaboration's expansion, Alex Duncan, Ph.D., Chief Scientific Officer of Walden, emphasized the compelling data generated to date as instrumental in advancing product development. The collaboration aims to deepen the understanding of the impact of reducing suPAR levels, potentially providing further evidence of suPAR's causative role in chronic kidney diseases.

Dr. Hayek underscored the productivity of the ongoing collaboration, emphasizing the significance of partnerships between companies and universities in driving innovation. The data generated through this collaboration is anticipated to offer a unique opportunity to transform kidney disease treatment and address other disease indications where suPAR may be implicated.

 

Source: globenewswire.com

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