EydisBio Wins $2.6M Grant for Systemic Sclerosis TAK1 Inhibitor Program

DURHAM, N.C., Aug. 28, 2024 – EydisBio, a pioneering pharmaceutical company focused on innovative treatments for autoimmune and inflammatory diseases, has been awarded a $2.6 million Phase 2 Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) grant from the National Institute of Health's (NIH) National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI). This funding will significantly bolster EydisBio's research on the effectiveness of TAK1 inhibition in animal models of systemic sclerosis, aiming to identify a lead compound for clinical development.

Dr. Tim Haystead, Founder and President of EydisBio, expressed immense appreciation for the grant, stating, "We are honored to receive this significant grant from the NHLBI. This funding will enable us to continue to advance our TAK1 inhibitor program in systemic sclerosis and bring us closer to developing a new therapeutic option for these patients. We are strongly committed to improving the lives of those affected by this debilitating disease."

Systemic sclerosis, also known as scleroderma, is a rare chronic autoimmune condition that results in skin and connective tissue hardening. This disease can also impact internal organs, causing severe complications. Existing treatments primarily focus on managing symptoms and decelerating disease progression, especially for patients with systemic sclerosis-associated interstitial lung disease (SSc-ILD). However, these treatments offer limited clinical benefits, and there is no cure. Additionally, no new therapies have been approved to address other manifestations of systemic sclerosis, underscoring a critical unmet need within the disease's spectrum.

The aberrant signaling of TAK1 is central to the pathophysiological processes of inflammation, fibrosis, and vasculopathy in systemic sclerosis. Inhibiting this pathway offers a promising therapeutic approach. EydisBio's TAK1 inhibitors have shown considerable potential in recent preclinical studies using fibroblasts from systemic sclerosis patients and a bleomycin-induced mouse model. This grant will support the ongoing development of analogs to identify a highly effective and safe lead compound, while further exploring its potential in treating SSc-ILD and related conditions. Following this phase, EydisBio will conduct GLP-compliant toxicity studies to facilitate the program's progress through Investigational New Drug (IND) filing and into clinical trials.