Lisata Therapeutics and University of Cincinnati to Study Certepetide for Endometriosis

Lisata Therapeutics, Inc., a clinical-stage pharmaceutical company focused on developing treatments for advanced solid tumors and other significant diseases, has announced a partnership with the University of Cincinnati. This research collaboration aims to explore the therapeutic potential of Lisata’s innovative cyclic peptide, certepetide, in conjunction with bevacizumab for treating endometriosis.

Endometriosis is a chronic condition affecting about 6.5 million women in the United States alone. It involves the growth of uterine tissue outside the uterus, leading to severe pain, infertility, and other health issues. The current treatments for endometriosis are limited and often involve invasive surgery, highlighting the need for more effective therapeutic options.

Certepetide is designed to selectively target specific tissues through a mechanism that enhances the delivery and accumulation of co-administered agents. Bevacizumab, a VEGF inhibitor, has shown effectiveness in treating endometriosis but is associated with significant systemic side effects due to the high dosage required. This limits its use particularly in younger women who are otherwise healthy.

Under this new agreement, the University of Cincinnati will conduct preclinical animal model research to investigate the combined use of certepetide and bevacizumab. Lisata will provide both the funding and the necessary supply of certepetide. The goal is to determine if this combination can offer a safer, more targeted treatment for endometriosis, potentially reducing the side effects linked with bevacizumab while maintaining its efficacy.

Kristen K. Buck, M.D., Executive Vice President of Research and Development and Chief Medical Officer of Lisata, expressed her enthusiasm for the collaboration, emphasizing the potential of certepetide beyond oncology. She noted that certepetide’s ability to selectively interact with surface integrin and neuropilin-1 receptors in endometrial tissue could make it a promising candidate for treating endometriosis.

Katherine Burns, PhD, an Associate Professor at the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, also shared her excitement about the partnership. She highlighted the potential for combining certepetide with bevacizumab to open new avenues for endometriosis treatment and improve patient outcomes.

Certepetide, which has already shown promise in oncology, works by activating a specific transport mechanism that allows drugs to penetrate targeted tissues more effectively. It has demonstrated safety, tolerability, and clinical activity in ongoing trials for pancreatic cancer and other solid tumors. Beyond cancer treatment, certepetide's unique mechanism makes it a candidate for exploring in other medical conditions, including non-oncology settings.

Lisata Therapeutics has established itself as a pioneer in developing innovative therapies, leveraging its CendR Platform® technology to enhance drug delivery and efficacy. The company's pipeline, including certepetide, is designed to improve the treatment of solid tumors and potentially other serious diseases. With this strategic partnership with the University of Cincinnati, Lisata is expanding its research efforts to include endometriosis, aiming to offer new hope to millions of women affected by this debilitating condition.

Founded in 1819, the University of Cincinnati is a leading urban public research institution with a strong focus on innovation and partnership. The university supports over 53,000 students and is recognized for its significant contributions to research and education across various fields. This collaboration with Lisata Therapeutics aligns with the university's commitment to advancing medical research and improving health outcomes.

In summary, Lisata Therapeutics and the University of Cincinnati's collaboration aims to explore new treatment possibilities for endometriosis using the combined therapeutic effects of certepetide and bevacizumab. This partnership represents an important step towards developing more effective, targeted treatments for this challenging condition.