Sagimet Biosciences Virtual Investor Day on FASN Inhibition in MASH

Sagimet Biosciences Inc., a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company based in San Mateo, California, announced it will be hosting a virtual investor and analyst day on May 23, 2024, at 1:00 PM ET. The event will highlight the latest advancements in their research and development, featuring a presentation by Dr. Scott L. Friedman of the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai. He will discuss the current treatment landscape and unmet needs for patients suffering from metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH).

During the event, Sagimet will also provide insights into their leading drug candidate, denifanstat. This oral, once-daily pill is a selective fatty acid synthase (FASN) inhibitor, which has shown promise in treating MASH. The positive results from the Phase 2b FASCINATE-2 clinical trial, which evaluated the efficacy of denifanstat in patients with MASH, will be a focal point of the discussion. Attendees will have the opportunity to engage in a live question and answer session following the presentation.

Dr. Scott L. Friedman, the keynote speaker, is a renowned expert in liver diseases. As the Dean for Therapeutic Discovery and Chief of the Division of Liver Diseases at Mount Sinai, Dr. Friedman has made significant contributions to understanding the mechanisms of liver fibrosis, a condition characterized by the scarring of liver tissue due to chronic liver disease. His pioneering research identified and characterized hepatic stellate cells, which play a crucial role in liver fibrosis. Dr. Friedman’s work has led to the development of new anti-fibrotic therapies that are currently undergoing clinical trials.

Dr. Friedman’s academic journey began with his graduation from the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai in 1979. He held prominent positions, including a medical residency at Beth Israel Hospital and a gastroenterology fellowship at UCSF. During his career, he also served as a Senior Fulbright Scholar and Visiting Professor at the Weizmann Institute of Science in Israel. He has received numerous accolades, including the International Hans Popper Award and the European Association for the Study of Liver Diseases International Recognition Award. His dedication to mentoring has influenced many in the field, with over 85 postdoctoral fellows and students benefiting from his guidance.

Sagimet Biosciences is committed to advancing the treatment of metabolic diseases through the development of novel FASN inhibitors. Their lead candidate, denifanstat, demonstrated positive outcomes in the FASCINATE-2 trial, a Phase 2b study focusing on MASH patients. This trial employed liver biopsy-based primary endpoints to measure the drug's efficacy.

MASH, a progressive and severe liver disease, affects over 115 million people globally. The condition was recently renamed from nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) to metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH) to provide a more affirmative and non-stigmatizing diagnosis. Despite the high prevalence, there is only one approved treatment in the United States and no approved treatments in Europe.

Sagimet's ongoing efforts aim to fill this significant treatment gap. By harnessing the potential of FASN inhibitors, they hope to offer a new therapeutic option for patients with MASH. The upcoming investor and analyst day will provide a platform to showcase their progress and engage with the scientific and investment communities.

The company remains focused on its mission to develop innovative therapies targeting the metabolic pathways implicated in various diseases. With a robust pipeline and promising clinical data, Sagimet is well-positioned to make a meaningful impact on the treatment of metabolic dysfunctions and related conditions.

How to obtain the latest research advancements in the field of biopharmaceuticals?

In the Synapse database, you can keep abreast of the latest research and development advances in drugs, targets, indications, organizations, etc., anywhere and anytime, on a daily or weekly basis. Click on the image below to embark on a brand new journey of drug discovery!