Demonstrating proof of concept of a first-in-class metabolic reprogramming agent that aims to promote myelin regeneration and anti-inflammatory effects in patients with Multiple Sclerosis

Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF) is a progressive and devastating condition in which the lungs become scarred and breathing becomes increasingly difficult. The symptoms may also impact on mental health, causing problems such as anxiety, depression and fatigue. Life expectancy for people suffering with IPF remains extremely poor, with only a quarter of people surviving more than five years from diagnosis; IPF has a worse life expectancy than most cancers. It is estimated that around 30,000 people in the UK live with IPF and over 5,000 people in the UK die every year from the disease which accounts for 1% of all deaths (source: British Thoracic Society). However, there are limited treatment options available. Current treatments aim to reduce the rate at which IPF gets worse, but there is currently no treatment that can stop or reverse the scarring of the lungs. Modern Bioscience have completed preclinical work on their lead small molecule asset MBS2320 in IPF which has shown it is: • more anti-fibrotic and pro-repair than current marketed treatments • controls inflammation in the lung setting • has direct anti-fibrotic efficacy • has a unique repair phenotype and therefore is clearly differentiated as a monotherapy but also complementary as a combination therapy versus existing therapies. The proposed project will conduct a key Phase 2 trial in IPF patients.