PILA PHARMA AB has announced the initiation of a preclinical study to investigate the potential of its lead molecule, XEN-D0501, in preventing the progression of Abdominal Aorta Aneurysm (AAA). The study, a co-sponsored research collaboration with Professor Dick Wågsäter's Research Group at Uppsala University, Sweden, aims to establish a pre-clinical proof-of-concept for XEN-D0501's effect on AAA growth in mice.
The core hypothesis is that XEN-D0501, a TRPV1 antagonist, may reduce the chronic inflammation implicated in cardiovascular diseases, including aortic dilatation, potentially preventing the lethal end-stage development of AAA. Currently, approximately 1% of men above the age of 65 die every year because of AAA, and there are no preventive pharmacological treatments available.
Study Design and Objectives
The mouse study involves inducing artificial aneurysms and observing the effects of a 28-day treatment with XEN-D0501 or a placebo. The primary endpoint is to assess whether XEN-D0501 can prevent aneurysm development or limit aneurysm rupture. According to CSO Dorte X. Gram, the initial 48 hours post-induction are critical, and the team is closely monitoring the mice.
Strategic Implications for PILA PHARMA
PILA PHARMA is taking an active co-sponsor role in the research, investing approximately SEK 150,000 to support the mouse study. The collaboration grants the Research Group publication rights post-patenting, while Professor Wågsäter will transfer patent rights to PILA PHARMA contingent on the company sponsoring resulting patents. CEO Gustav H. Gram emphasized the strategic importance of this research, stating that understanding how XEN-D0501 affects AAA development in mice will enhance the understanding of the molecule's cardiometabolic properties. A strong cardiovascular profile could significantly increase the molecule's value.
XEN-D0501: A TRPV1 Antagonist
XEN-D0501 is a selective, synthetic, and potent small molecule TRPV1 antagonist in-licensed by PILA PHARMA in 2016. TRPV1 antagonists are known for down-regulating neurogenic inflammation and have potential applications in pain and inflammatory diseases, as well as metabolic disorders like diabetes and obesity. Prior to being in-licensed, XEN-D0501 demonstrated a good safety profile in non-diabetic patient groups. PILA PHARMA has completed two Phase 2a clinical trials (PP-CT01 and PP-CT02), which demonstrated that XEN-D0501 is well-tolerated in individuals with obesity and type 2 diabetes. PP-CT02 also showed that XEN-D0501 (4 mg twice daily for 28 days) significantly enhanced the endogenous insulin response to oral glucose compared to placebo. Additionally, ANP, a cardiovascular biomarker for heart failure, was significantly reduced.
Addressing Unmet Needs in AAA Treatment
AAA is characterized by the 'ballooning' of the lower part of the aorta, often linked to atherosclerosis, high blood pressure, cardiovascular inflammation, and trauma. While surgery to insert a stent becomes necessary when the aorta dilates beyond 3mm, this procedure is expensive and carries potential complications. The absence of preventive pharmacological treatments underscores the urgent need for innovative therapeutic approaches. If the mouse study yields positive results, it could pave the way for assessing the effect of XEN-D0501 in humans with AAA, potentially filling a critical gap in treatment options.
