Science

FOCUSED ON THE DEVELOPMENT OF TRANSFORMATIVE THERAPIES FOR THE TREATMENT OF :

Worsening heart failure

Hyponatremic acute heart failure

Worsening heart failure

Worsening heart failure

Worsening heart failure

Biology

CRF2 (Corticotropin-releasing factor receptor 2) is a plasma membrane receptor widely expressed in the cardiovascular, renal and metabolic systems.

In proof of concept studies in heart failure patients and in preclinical heart failure models, CRF2 agonists :

  • Improve cardiac function and reduce pulmonary congestion
  • Promote diuresis/natriuresis on top of standard of care without triggering a neurohumoral response

 

In right heart failure patients or models, CRF2 agonists:

  • Reduce the left ventricular filling pressure
  • Improve the right cardiac function and pulmonary arterial resistance
  • Improve the cardiac remodeling

 

In sarcopenia preclinical models, CRF2 agonists :

  • Increase the skeletal muscle mass
  • Improve skeletal muscle function

 

In obesity preclinical models, CRF2 agonists :

  • reduce body weight and % of fat mass
  • preserve the lean mass

CRF2

Strategy

Endogenous ligands for CRF2 (urocortin 2 or stresscopin) have a very short half-life which makes them unsuitable for sub-chronic administration. Our strategy is to develop two potent, long acting and selective CRF2 agonists, one suitable for once daily subcutaneous administration for the treatment of worsening heart failure, and a second for a once monthly administration for the treatment of right heart failure and other indications such as obesity or sarcopenia.