DeepCure, a company employing AI for drug discovery, will present preclinical data on their BRD4 Inhibitor, DC-9476, at the EMBO 2024 Conference.
DC-9476 targets macrophage activation syndrome (MAS), a life-threatening condition often accompanying juvenile and adult-onset Still’s disease. The current standard treatment, glucocorticoids, has limitations, creating a need for effective alternatives.
Studies reveal that DC-9476 efficiently blocked MAS progression in animal models. It outperformed dexamethasone to restore near-normal white blood cell counts and reduce serum ferritin, a MAS biomarker.
DC-9476 works by directly inhibiting macrophage activation, effectively decreasing MAS-related cytokines like IL-1β, IL-18, IL-6, and IFN-γ. This mechanism differentiates it from non-selective BRD4 inhibitors and existing therapies that only target the inflammasome and downstream cytokines.
Unlike non-selective BRD4 inhibitors, DC-9476 does not lower platelet levels, addressing a known side effect of such therapies. Kfir Schreiber, CEO of DeepCure, expresses enthusiasm for DC-9476’s potential in treating MAS, highlighting its direct macrophage activation inhibition.
The company plans to advance DC-9476 into clinical trials as a promising therapeutic option for patients with MAS and Still’s disease.
Jon Napitupulu is Director of Media Relations at The Clinical Trial Vanguard. Jon, a computer data scientist, focuses on the latest clinical trial industry news and trends.
