A novel small molecule compound for NASH
ZYMEDI is developing a first-in-class small molecule compound that inhibits multiple proinflammatory activities of KARS1
Lysyl-tRNA synthetase (KARS1) can be located on the plasma membrane of monocytes and macrophages and facilitates their migration to damaged tissues. KARS1 is also secreted out of the cells to trigger inflammatory responses.
Our candidate ZMC001 is a novel small molecule compound that binds to KARS1 with selective inhibition by interfering with various key inflammatory pathways.
Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is an aggressive form of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease that can progress to cirrhosis, liver cancer, and liver failure.
The validation requirements for new drugs for fibrosis relief are very high. As a result, there is no effective treatment for NASH, which causes tremendous economic and social burdens combined with a high mortality rate.
In vivo efficacy and safety
ZMC001 treatment shows significant improvement in reducing steatosis and lobular inflammation in NASH animal models.
The safety of ZMC001 was demonstrated in a 2-week repeated toxicity study in rats. It revealed no adverse symptoms, even at 500 mg/kg treatment.
