BioAge begins phase 1 trial of brain-penetrant NLRP3 inhibitor

CHENGDU/EMERYVILLE - BioAge Labs, Inc. (NASDAQ:BIOA) has initiated a Phase 1 clinical study of BGE-102, a novel NLRP3 inhibitor developed from compounds identified using HitGen Inc.’s (SSE:688222.SH) DNA-encoded library technology platform, according to a press release statement. HitGen, which maintains a strong financial position with a current ratio of 5.78 and has demonstrated impressive year-to-date returns of 119%, continues to expand its technological capabilities.

BGE-102 is described as an orally available, brain-penetrant small molecule being developed initially for obesity treatment. The drug candidate targets NLRP3, a protein involved in inflammation that has been linked to metabolic disorders, neurodegenerative conditions, and cardiovascular disease. According to InvestingPro analysis, HitGen’s robust financial health score and revenue growth of 12% in the last twelve months suggest strong operational execution in its drug discovery partnerships.

The clinical trial initiation triggers an undisclosed milestone payment to HitGen under their collaboration agreement.

The compound emerged from a research partnership that began yielding promising hit molecules in April 2021. The companies published their findings in Bioorganic & Medicinal Chemistry Letters in February 2024, detailing the discovery of "novel and potent indazole NLRP3 inhibitors" through DNA-encoded library screening.

BioAge reports that BGE-102 has demonstrated weight loss in preclinical models both alone and in combination with GLP-1 receptor agonists. The Phase 1 single ascending dose/multiple ascending dose trial is currently underway with initial data expected by year-end.

The companies continue collaborating on additional drug discovery programs targeting other novel targets using HitGen’s platform, which contains over 1.2 trillion small molecules. While HitGen currently appears overvalued according to InvestingPro Fair Value metrics, the platform offers 13 additional investment insights and detailed financial analysis tools for biotech investors seeking deeper market intelligence.

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