Eccogene, a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company, has received U.S. Food and Drug Administration clearance for its Investigational New Drug application to initiate the Phase 2a MOSAIC trial. The study will evaluate two novel oral small molecule therapeutics, ECC4703 and ECC0509, both individually and in combination, for the treatment of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH).
"We are pleased to receive the FDA clearance to initiate our Phase 2a MOSAIC trial with ECC4703 and ECC0509 for MASH, which impacts millions of patients worldwide," said Jingye Zhou, Chief Executive Officer of Eccogene. "As a liver targeting THR-β full agonist, ECC4703 is designed to deliver improved efficacy and tolerability compared to existing therapies. ECC0509 is our novel SSAO inhibitor engineered to address inflammatory and fibrotic pathways associated with MASH."
Trial Design and Objectives
The MOSAIC trial represents a comprehensive approach to MASH treatment through a U.S.-based, multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled Phase 2a design. The 12-week study is expected to enroll approximately 160 participants with presumed MASH. The primary endpoint focuses on change in liver fat content, a key marker of therapeutic efficacy in MASH treatment.
Zhou emphasized the trial's strategic design: "The MOSAIC trial is designed to investigate these two individual therapies as well as their combined potential, aiming to tackle the complex challenge of MASH."
ECC4703: Targeting Thyroid Hormone Receptor Beta
ECC4703 is an oral, once-daily, selective, liver targeting full agonist of the thyroid hormone receptor beta (THR-β) in development for MASH and other cardiometabolic diseases. Unlike partial agonists, ECC4703 is designed to deliver greater efficacy, with the potential to achieve deeper reductions in atherogenic lipids, greater hepatic fat clearance, and favorable effects on inflammation and fibrosis improvement.
In Phase 1 studies, ECC4703 demonstrated robust target engagement activities, including marked reductions in LDL-C, providing early evidence of its therapeutic potential.
ECC0509: Novel SSAO Inhibition Approach
ECC0509 represents a novel therapeutic approach as a once-daily, oral small molecule inhibitor of semicarbazide-sensitive amine oxidase (SSAO, also known as vascular adhesion protein-1 [VAP-1]). The compound is specifically engineered for high selectivity and minimal brain penetration, addressing safety concerns associated with broader SSAO inhibition.
In Phase 1 studies, ECC0509 demonstrated dose-dependent inhibition of SSAO activity and significant changes in circulating methylamine, confirming target engagement. Beyond MASH, ECC0509 is being developed as a monotherapy for osteoarthritis pain treatment.
Addressing MASH Through Dual Mechanisms
The combination approach targets multiple pathways involved in MASH pathogenesis. ECC4703's thyroid hormone receptor beta agonism addresses metabolic dysfunction and hepatic fat accumulation, while ECC0509's SSAO inhibition targets the inflammatory and fibrotic components of the disease.
Eccogene's pipeline leverages the company's expertise in translational research, small molecule drug discovery, and deep understanding of cardiometabolic diseases. The company focuses on developing next-generation oral small molecule therapeutics for chronic cardiometabolic and inflammatory conditions.
