ZyVersa Therapeutics is advancing its Inflammasome ASC Inhibitor IC 100 as a potential treatment for obesity and the prevention of type 2 diabetes, based on newly published data demonstrating the protective effects of inflammasome inhibition on pancreatic islet beta cells. The research underscores the potential of targeting inflammasomes to mitigate the progression from obesity to insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes.
Inflammasome Inhibition Protects Pancreatic Islets
The study revealed that inflammasome-driven inflammation significantly impairs pancreatic islets, leading to cellular damage and metabolic dysfunction. Specifically, the inhibition of NLRP3 inflammasomes was shown to protect pancreatic islet beta cells and improve metabolic status in obese mouse models. These findings support the development of IC 100 as an adjunct therapy to incretin treatments for obesity.
IC 100: A Novel Approach to Obesity Treatment
IC 100 is designed to target the inflammasome adaptor protein ASC, thereby attenuating both the initiation and perpetuation of inflammatory responses. Unlike other NLRP3 inhibitors, IC 100 inhibits multiple inflammasomes, including NLRP3 and AIM2, which are activated in obesity. This broad inhibition is achieved by binding to ASC monomers, preventing inflammasome formation and blocking the activation of IL-1β early in the inflammatory cascade. Additionally, IC 100 binds to ASC Specks, both intracellularly and extracellularly, further suppressing IL-1β activation and the perpetuation of inflammatory responses.
Clinical Development and Future Plans
ZyVersa plans to initiate Phase 1 trials for IC 100 around mid-2025. This trial will assess the safety and efficacy of IC 100 as an add-on therapy to incretins for weight loss and management of obesity-related comorbidities. Stephen C. Glover, ZyVersa’s Co-founder, Chairman, CEO and President, stated, "This data supports the potential of Inflammasome ASC Inhibitor IC 100, as a key component of obesity care when added to incretins used for weight loss... We are excited about the potential of IC 100 to effectively control the inflammation of obesity."
Mechanism of Action
IC 100, a humanized IgG4 monoclonal antibody, uniquely disrupts the function of ASC specks to attenuate chronic, systemic inflammation leading to obesity comorbidities. By attenuating cytokine activation, IC 100 also reduces the adaptive immune response, offering a comprehensive approach to managing obesity and its associated metabolic complications.
