Robust effects of VP01 in human idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis lung tissue

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Gothenburg, September 25, 2020 – Vicore Pharma Holding AB (publ), a pharmaceutical company dedicated to developing innovative medicines for rare lung disorders, today announces effects of VP01 on idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) patient tissue.

Fresh human IPF lung tissue harvested from a patient during lung transplantation showed stable expression of the VP01 target, the angiotensin type 2 receptor (AT2R), and treatment with clinically relevant concentrations of VP01 caused a dose-dependent decrease of TGFb1, a key growth factor in fibrosis development.

“It is reassuring that we can demonstrate target (AT2R) expression and inhibition of the most potent pro-fibrotic factor in human IPF tissue that, if it translates to the clinical situation, may affect the trajectory of the disease” says Carl-Johan Dalsgaard, CEO of Vicore Pharma“. A phase II IPF trial in 60 patients has recently been approved and is scheduled to commence in October.

About VP01

VP01 (C21) is a first in class orally available low molecular weight AT2R agonist that activates the “protective arm” of the renin angiotensin system (RAS). The compound has previously shown effects in the bleomycin and monocrotaline pulmonary fibrosis/pulmonary hypertension (PH) models as well as in a severe PH model in the rat. VP01 is currently in clinical development for IPF, pulmonary fibrosis in systemic sclerosis and COVID-19.

Precision Cut Lung Slices (PCLuS)

Harvesting fibrotic IPF lung tissue during lung transplantation gives the opportunity to culture precision cut slices as explants to study pharmacological effects on various markers of fibrosis development. To study human tissues affected by IPF gives a good opportunity to assess biomarkers that also can be followed in clinical studies.

“This technology represents a unique possibility to study our drug candidates in the diseased lung tissue from IPF patients”, says Johan Raud, CSO of Vicore Pharma. The technology was developed by Fibrofind, a service facility embedded in the world-leading academic Newcastle Fibrosis Research Group of Newcastle University.  

For further information, please contact:

Carl-Johan Dalsgaard, CEO, tel: +46 70 975 98 63, carl-johan.dalsgaard@vicorepharma.com  

About Vicore Pharma Holding AB (publ)
Vicore Pharma is a rare disease pharmaceutical company focused on rare lung disorders and related indications. The company currently has three drug development programs, VP01, VP02 and VP03.

VP01 (C21) is being developed for the treatment of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (“IPF”), pulmonary fibrosis in systemic sclerosis (“SSc”) and COVID-19. VP02 is based on a new formulation and delivery route of an existing immunomodulatory compound (an “IMiD”). VP02 focuses on the underlying disease and the severe cough associated with IPF. VP01 and VP02 are also being actively evaluated for other indications within the field of interstitial lung diseases where there are significant unmet needs. VP03 includes follow-up molecules for VP01.

The company's shares (VICO) are listed on Nasdaq Stockholm’s main market. For more information, see www.vicorepharma.com.