Calgary University Participates in Phase II LSALT Peptide Trial for Cardiac Surgery-Related AKI

A recent announcement from Arch Biopartners Inc., a clinical trial company, reveals the involvement of a research team from the University of Calgary’s Cumming School of Medicine in a Phase II trial for their lead drug candidate, the LSALT peptide. This peptide is designed to prevent and treat acute kidney injury (AKI) associated with cardiac surgery, a condition that can lead to long-term negative outcomes and is often caused by ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI). The trial, which is an international, multi-center, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study, aims to assess the effectiveness of LSALT peptide in reducing the incidence of AKI within seven days after heart surgery. The primary goal is to measure the percentage of patients experiencing AKI, as defined by the Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO) criteria.
The LSALT peptide works by targeting the dipeptidase-1 (DPEP-1) pathway, which has been shown to prevent IRI in pre-clinical models. The findings supporting this approach were published in the journal Science Advances. The trial is expected to recruit 240 patients and now includes four clinical sites, with three in Turkey and one in Canada, with additional sites pending activation.
The LSALT peptide's potential to mitigate kidney damage during surgery is significant, as there is currently no market treatment available for the type of AKI commonly experienced by patients undergoing on-pump cardiac surgery. The prevalence of CS-AKI can be as high as 30% and is linked to increased morbidity and mortality rates.
Arch Biopartners is dedicated to developing new drug candidates that inhibit inflammation in vital organs, such as the lungs, kidneys, and liver, through the DPEP-1 pathway. The company's focus is on addressing the unmet need for treatments in areas where organ inflammation is a prevalent issue. The Phase II trial is supported by advisory services and funding from the National Research Council of Canada Industrial Research Assistance Program (NRC-IRAP), which will help to offset the costs associated with the trial.
The company's commitment to advancing its drug candidates is evident in its ongoing clinical development and pursuit of regulatory approvals. Arch Biopartners is also focused on raising capital to support its business plans and ensuring the efficacy of its drug candidates in comparison to competitors. The company's intellectual property portfolio is a key asset, and they are dedicated to protecting and expanding it.