-Initiation of Phase 1 clinical trials of SZN-1326 and SZN-043 expected in third quarter 2022
-Acceleration of preclinical programs includes nomination of lead candidate SZN-413 for retinopathies
and compelling preclinical data highlighting the potential for lacrimal gland and lung programs
“2022 promises to be a transformational year for
Parker continued, “Our discovery programs continue to identify new areas where our Wnt platform technologies could have therapeutic impact, including lacrimal gland and lung. We will continue to integrate our biological insights and proprietary discoveries in pursuit of our vision to develop Wnt therapeutics aimed at halting or reversing progression in a broad spectrum of serious diseases.”
Recent Highlights
Lead Product Candidates
SZN-1326 for Moderate to Severe Ulcerative Colitis and SZN-043 for Severe Alcoholic Hepatitis
SZN-1326 is the first development candidate designed using Surrozen’s SWAPTM technology and targets the Wnt signaling pathway in the intestinal epithelium. In preclinical animal models of acute and chronic colitis, SZN-1326 has been shown to activate Wnt signaling in the intestine, stimulate intestinal epithelial regeneration, reduce inflammation and reduce disease activity.
SZN-043 is the first development candidate designed using Surrozen’s SWEETSTM technology. In preclinical animal models of liver injury and fibrosis, SZN-043 has been shown to selectively activate Wnt signaling in the liver, stimulate hepatocyte proliferation and reduce fibrosis.
Following the recent completion of IND-enabling GLP toxicology studies,
Research Pipeline
SZN-413 for Retinopathies, Including Wet AMD and Diabetic Retinopathy
Fzd4-mediated Wnt signaling is known to play a critical role in retinal vascular integrity and function. Data with Fzd4-specific Surrozen Wnt modulating tool molecules has shown that selectively activating Wnt signaling can rescue a disease phenotype in a norrin knockout model.
- Stimulated Wnt signaling in retinal vascular endothelial cells
- Increased tight junction protein expression in retinal vascular endothelial cells
- Significantly reduced avascular area and pathological neovascular tuft formation in an oxygen-induced retinopathy mouse model
Lacrimal Gland
Tear-producing glands rely on Wnt signaling for maintenance of function. Restoration of gland function through activation of Wnt signaling is a potential therapeutic approach to treat dry eye, including dry eye associated with Sjogren’s Disease. Preclinical data demonstrated that Surrozen Wnt-modulating molecules:
- Stimulated Wnt signaling in the lacrimal gland
- Increased tear production within two days in a mouse IL-1a lacrimal gland injury model
Lung
Recent discoveries of Wnt-responsive progenitor cells in the lung suggest a potential role for Wnt in diseases such as idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Preclinical data demonstrated that Surrozen Wnt-modulating molecules:
- Activated Wnt signaling in the lung
- Expands Alveolar AT2 cell organoids
- Reduced injury and improved fibrosis in an acute bleomycin mouse model
About Wnt Signaling
Wnt signaling plays key roles in the control of development, homeostasis and regeneration of many essential organs and tissues, including liver, intestine, lung, kidney, retina, central nervous system, cochlea, bone and others. Modulation of Wnt signaling pathways has potential for the treatment of degenerative diseases and tissue injuries. Surrozen’s platform and proprietary technologies have the potential to overcome the limitations in pursuing the Wnt pathway as a therapeutic strategy.
About
Forward Looking Statements
This press release contains certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the federal securities laws. Forward-looking statements generally are accompanied by words such as “will,” “continue,” “plan,” “potential,” “expect,” “goal,” “promises,” or the negative of these words and similar expressions that predict or indicate future events or trends or that are not statements of historical matters. These forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements regarding Surrozen’s discovery, research and development activities, in particular its development plans for its product candidates SZN-1326, SZN-043 and SZN-413, including anticipated clinical development timelines, and the potential for such product candidates to be used to treat human disease. These statements are based on various assumptions, whether or not identified in this press release, and on the current expectations of the management of
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