iLeadBMS Reports Positive IL1512 Liver Fibrosis Results at EASL 2024

DONGTAN, KOREA, June 10, 2024 - iLeadBMS, an innovative R&D company under Ildong Pharmaceutical Group, announced significant findings concerning its liver fibrosis treatment candidate, IL1512, during the European Association for the Study of the Liver (EASL) 2024 in Milan, Italy.

IL1512 is an oral CXCR7 agonist and is uniquely classified as a first-in-class drug, indicating it is the first of its kind for the specified therapeutic use. In May, iLeadBMS shared promising results regarding IL1512's efficacy in treating idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) at the American Thoracic Society (ATS 2024). The recent presentation focused on the drug's potential to combat liver fibrosis.

CXCR7, a G protein-coupled receptor that interacts with chemokine ligands CXCL11 and CXCL12, is instrumental in several pathways associated with fibrosis, such as fibroblast activation, inflammation, tissue repair, and angiogenesis. This receptor represents a suitable target for developing treatments for fibrotic conditions. The novel mechanism by which CXCR7 agonists exert anti-fibrotic effects has prompted iLeadBMS to aim at creating treatments for fibrotic diseases affecting multiple organs, including the lungs, liver, heart, kidneys, and skin. Additionally, the company plans to leverage the FDA's expedited review and Orphan Drug Designation (ODD) pathways to speed up the development process.

During the EASL conference, iLeadBMS presented the efficacy of IL1512 in a CCl4 (carbon tetrachloride) liver fibrosis model, where the drug was administered orally. The study demonstrated significant improvements in several anti-fibrotic markers, including col 1a1, hydroxyproline content, and TGF-beta, as compared to a placebo.

The presentation highlighted that IL1512, through its novel CXCR7-targeting mechanism, exhibited direct anti-inflammatory effects in the liver and notable improvements in fibrosis conditions. Furthermore, IL1512 was shown to possess either superior or at least comparable efficacy and safety profiles relative to Elafibranor, the comparator drug.

Building on these promising results, iLeadBMS has identified preclinical candidate molecules that show even greater potential improvements over IL1512. The company is preparing to initiate GLP (Good Laboratory Practice) toxicology studies in the latter half of this year.

Established in 2020, iLeadBMS is dedicated to discovering and developing innovative drugs. The company's R&D pipeline focuses on fibrotic diseases, protease inhibitors, solid tumors, and neurodegenerative diseases.