Pliant Therapeutics Shares Bexotegrast Data at ATS Conference

Pliant Therapeutics, Inc., a clinical-stage biotech company based in South San Francisco, recently shared significant updates on its therapeutic candidate, bexotegrast (PLN-74809), during the American Thoracic Society (ATS) 2024 International Conference held from May 17-22, 2024. Pliant Therapeutics is recognized for its pioneering work in developing treatments for fibrotic diseases.

Bexotegrast is currently under development for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) and primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC). The company presented a series of clinical and preclinical data, highlighting the therapeutic's safety, efficacy, and mechanism of action.

Dr. Éric Lefebvre, the Chief Medical Officer at Pliant Therapeutics, emphasized the importance of these presentations in supporting the late-stage development of bexotegrast, particularly for their ongoing BEACON-IPF trial. The comprehensive data showcased at the ATS conference underpins the potential of bexotegrast as a novel treatment option.

During the conference, Dr. Gregory P. Cosgrove, Vice President of Clinical Development at Pliant Therapeutics, delivered an oral presentation that focused on the safety and tolerability of bexotegrast. This analysis combined data from several completed studies involving both healthy volunteers and patients with IPF or PSC. So far, bexotegrast has been administered to over 700 participants across 11 Phase 1 and 4 Phase 2 trials. The results indicated that bexotegrast was generally well-tolerated, with most adverse events being mild to moderate and low rates of drug discontinuation.

Another critical presentation was delivered by Dr. Mahru C. An, Principal Scientist at Pliant Therapeutics, who discussed the pharmacodynamic effects of bexotegrast on fibrotic human lung cells. This preclinical study utilized precision-cut lung slices and revealed that bexotegrast specifically targets TGF-β signaling in fibrogenic cells while minimizing effects on other cell types. This specificity could potentially reduce the toxicities often associated with TGF-β inhibition.

Dr. Martin L. Decaris, Senior Director of Translational Sciences at Pliant, presented a late-breaker poster that detailed a post-hoc analysis of biomarkers from the INTEGRIS-IPF Phase 2a clinical trial. The study demonstrated that seven plasma biomarkers linked to interstitial lung disease progression were significantly modulated in IPF patients treated with bexotegrast over 12 weeks compared to those on placebo. These findings are being further investigated in the ongoing Phase 2b BEACON-IPF trial.

Additionally, Dr. Jonathan G. Goldin, Professor of Radiology, Medicine, and Biomedical Physics at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, presented data on the antifibrotic effects of bexotegrast using quantitative imaging parameters. This study was part of the INTEGRIS-IPF clinical trial, and findings indicated a reduction in the progression of quantitative lung fibrosis in patients treated with bexotegrast compared to placebo. Notably, there were no significant increases in alveolar inflammation in patients receiving bexotegrast.

Pliant Therapeutics continues to drive forward with its portfolio of therapeutic candidates. Bexotegrast, their leading product, has gained Fast Track Designation and Orphan Drug Designation from the U.S. FDA and the European Medicines Agency for both IPF and PSC. The company is also exploring other clinical programs, including PLN-101095 for solid tumors and PLN-101325 for muscular dystrophies.

Pliant Therapeutics is committed to advancing novel therapies for fibrotic diseases, aiming to bring effective treatments to patients in need. The recent presentations at the ATS conference underscore the company's progress and the promising potential of bexotegrast in treating severe fibrotic conditions.