Pliant Therapeutics Shares Bexotegrast Data at EASL Liver Congress

SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO, Calif., June 6, 2024 - Pliant Therapeutics (Nasdaq: PLRX), a leading biotechnology company specializing in fibrotic disease therapies, has recently showcased significant findings from their bexotegrast program at the European Association for the Study of the Liver (EASL) International Liver Congress™ held from June 5-8, 2024.

Dr. Éric Lefebvre, Chief Medical Officer at Pliant Therapeutics, expressed enthusiasm about the new data from their Phase 2a INTEGRIS-PSC trial targeting primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC). He mentioned the positive topline results as a testament to the progress made in combating fibrotic liver disease and hinted at more data to be revealed in the near future.

Interim Results on Bexotegrast’s Efficacy and Safety

In a notable late-breaking oral presentation, Dr. Michael Trauner from the Medical University Clinic in Vienna shared interim results from the ongoing randomized, placebo-controlled Phase 2a INTEGRIS-PSC trial. Over the 12 weeks of treatment, bexotegrast demonstrated favorable tolerance across all dosages. The study revealed that bexotegrast effectively mitigated increases in enhanced liver fibrosis (ELF) scores and the formation of type III collagen pro-peptide (PRO-C3) when compared to the placebo. These findings support bexotegrast’s mechanism of action as an anti-fibrotic agent.

Detailed Gene Expression Analysis

In another presentation, Dr. Johanna Schaub of Pliant Therapeutics detailed the results of a differential gene expression analysis focusing on human liver explant tissue afflicted with biliary fibrosis. Using precision-cut liver slices, the study observed that bexotegrast’s inhibition profile was distinct from that of TGF-β receptor (ALK5) inhibitors. Bexotegrast selectively reduced TGF-β signaling in fibrogenic cells, with minimal impact on cell types involved in immunomodulatory functions. This targeted action emphasizes bexotegrast’s potential in treating fibrotic diseases.

Pliant Therapeutics’ Pipeline

Pliant Therapeutics is recognized for its innovative approach to treating fibrotic diseases. Their leading candidate, bexotegrast, is an oral, small molecule inhibitor that selectively targets αvß6 and αvß1 integrins. Bexotegrast is currently being developed for treating idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) and PSC, having received Fast Track and Orphan Drug Designations from the U.S. FDA and Orphan Drug Designation from the European Medicines Agency for both conditions. Pliant is advancing bexotegrast through an adaptive Phase 2b/3 trial named BEACON-IPF.

Additionally, Pliant is conducting a Phase 1 study for PLN-101095, another dual-selective integrin inhibitor focusing on αvß8 and αvß1, aimed at treating solid tumors. The company has also received regulatory clearance for a Phase 1 study of PLN-101325, a monoclonal antibody agonist of integrin α7β1, intended for muscular dystrophies.

Conclusion

Pliant Therapeutics continues to lead in the development of therapies for fibrotic diseases. The promising data presented at the EASL Congress underscores their commitment to advancing scientific understanding and treatment options for conditions like PSC and IPF. The biotechnology community eagerly awaits further updates as Pliant progresses with its clinical trials and therapeutic innovations.

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