Epigen Biosciences, Inc. — Department of Health and Human Services SBIR Phase I: 300

Description

Summary The ultimate goal of this application is to develop one of Epigenandapos s proprietary antagonists of the lysophosphatidic acid receptorLPA Rfor the effective treatment of liver fibrosis associated with chronic diseases such as non alcoholic steatohepatitisNASHa severe type of non alcoholic fatty liver diseaseNAFLDNAFLD is the most common liver disease and is associated with obesity and typediabetesThere are no effective treatments available for NASHOur approach will involve the pre clinical evaluation of one advanced lead compoundidentified according to a disease specific progressive cutoff criteriain two animal models of NASH to establish the proof of concept in this indicationThe successful outcome of this work will enable initiation of efforts to establish a more detailed understanding of the pharmacology of the most promising candidate in rodent NASH models and commencement of toxicology and chemistrymanufacturing and controlsCMCwork to support filing of an investigational new drugINDapplication and eventually initiation of clinical trials in humans!Narrative The objective is to develop new drugs for treating diseases that lead to liver fibrosisincluding nonalcoholic steato hepatitisNASHa significant cause of mortality