Following the recent publication of impressive preclinical data on its MKK4 inhibitor in acute liver disease, HepaRegeniX now reports positive results in nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH)-associated hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). In relevant in vivo models, MKK4 inhibition was not only safe and well tolerated but even showed marked growth suppression of the carcinoma. To date, there is no effective drug therapy available for this condition.
MKK4 was discovered as a key regulator of liver regeneration by the company’s co-founder Prof. Zender during his time at the Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research (HZI) in Braunschweig and the Hannover Medical School (MHH), and is protected by respective IP. Ascenion GmbH, technology transfer partner of both institutes, has supported the project from the start.
For further information see HepaRegeniX’s press release.