HepaRegeniX to present key results on MKK4 inhibitors and their therapeutic efficacy at upcoming scientific conferences

Tubingen (Germany), November 04, 2021 – HepaRegeniX GmbH, a clinical stage company developing novel therapies for the treatment of acute and chronic advanced liver diseases, announced today two presentations at renowned scientific conferences that will disclose new data on HepaRegenix’ first-in-class approach to liver regeneration.

During the 27^th Balfour Surgery Research Symposium, held on Friday, November 12, 2021, data underlining the regenerative potential of MKK4 inhibition from HepaRegenix’ cooperation with the Mayo Clinic will be reported as part of the oral presentation “Pivotal Randomized Trial of a Novel Pro-Regenerative Drug in Post-Resection Liver Failure” by Abu Rmilah, PhD. The topic has been ranked as one of the top abstracts submitted.

Furthermore, a poster presentation highlighting the therapeutic efficacy of MKK4 inhibitors in preclinical models for acute and chronic liver failure will be delivered during The Liver Meeting (TLM) of the American Association for the Study of Liver Disease (AASLD), taking place November 12-15, 2021. The poster entitled “First-in-class small molecule inhibitors of MKK4 exert pronounced therapeutic efficacy in rodent and non-rodent models of acute and chronic liver failure” will be presented by Professor Lars Zender and Dr. Sabrina Klotz from the Department of Medical Oncology and Pneumology at the University Hospital Tubingen. This presentation will feature key results, which were generated by Prof Lars Zender and his research group in close collaboration with HepaRegeniX. The corresponding abstract was published in the October supplement of Hepatology (Volume 74), the peer-review journal of AASLD.

“The efficacy of the MKK4 inhibitor candidate HRX-215 in several preclinical models for acute and chronic liver diseases was striking,” explained Prof. Lars Zender, Medical Director at the University Hospital Tubingen. “Our outcome data recently obtained in a porcine model of 85 % hepatectomy is unprecedented and potentially game changing. It raises the hope to potentially offer an alternative to orthotopic liver transplantation, which currently represents the only curative treatment option for patients with acute and chronic liver failure.”

“We are excited to present new evidence for safety and efficacy of MKK4 inhibition at two leading conferences within a few days and look forward to inspiring scientific discussions around MKK4 inhibition,” said Dr. Wolfgang Albrecht, Managing Director of HepaRegeniX. “The excellent results of our studies with MKK4 inhibitors in preclinical models of acute and chronic liver diseases confirm our therapeutic rationale. Together with our phase 1 trial started in August this year, this underlines the great potential of MKK4 for treating patients with advanced liver diseases.”

Details of the upcoming events:

27^th Annual Balfour Surgery Research Symposium
Oral presentation title: Pivotal Randomized Trial of a Novel Pro-Regenerative Drug in Post-Resection Liver Failure
Date and Time: Nov 12, 2021; 2-4 p.m.
Presenter: Dr. Anan Abu Rmilah

The Liver Meeting (TLM) of the American Association for the Study of Liver Disease (AASLD), Nov 12-15, 2021
Poster presentation title: 1st in class small molecule inhibitors of MKK4 exert pronounced therapeutic efficacy in rodent and non-rodent models of acute and chronic liver failure
Poster Number: 233
Session Title: Acute Liver Failure and Artificial Liver Support
Date and Time: 12.11.2021 at 3:00 PM – 8:55 PM (CET)
Presenter: Dr. Sabrina Klotz and Prof. Lars Zender

Download: PDF | 140kb

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For further information please contact our Managing Directors:
HepaRegeniX GmbH
Dr. Wolfgang Albrecht, w.albrecht@heparegenix.com, +49 7071 7912810
Dr. Birgit Jung, b.jung@heparegenix.com, +49 7071 7912810

For media inquiries:
MC Services AG
Dr. Brigitte Keller, heparegenix@mc-services.eu, +49 89 210 228-0
Andreas Jungfer, heparegenix@mc-services.eu, +49 89 210 228-0

About HepaRegeniX GmbH
Since 2017, HepaRegeniX has successfully discovered and developed several drug candidates for the treatment of acute and chronic liver diseases based on a novel proprietary molecular target Mitogen-Activated Protein (MAP) Kinase Kinase 4 (MKK4). The first MKK4 inhibitor HRX-0215 recently entered clinical development. MKK4 is a key regulator of liver regeneration and suppression of MKK4 unlocks the regenerative capacity of hepatocytes even in severely diseased livers. This new and unique therapeutic concept was discovered by Prof. Lars Zender and his research group at the University Hospital Tubingen, Germany. Investors in HepaRegeniX include the Boehringer Ingelheim Venture Fund (BIVF), Novo Holdings A/S, Coparion, High-Tech Gruenderfonds and Ascenion GmbH.