Sagimet to Present at 8th Annual MASH Drug Development Summit

Sagimet Biosciences Inc., a biopharmaceutical company based in San Mateo, California, has announced that it will present data on its lead drug candidate, denifanstat, at the upcoming 8th Annual MASH Drug Development Summit in Boston. Scheduled for September 24-26, 2024, the summit will feature a presentation by Dr. Marie O’Farrell, Senior Vice President of Research and Development at Sagimet. Her presentation, titled “Demonstrating denifanstat’s differentiated approach in MASH with mechanistic and clinical data showing direct anti-fibrotic activity,” is set for September 26 from 4:15 to 4:45 pm ET. The session aims to showcase progress in antifibrotic treatments for metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH).

Sagimet Biosciences is focused on developing inhibitors for fatty acid synthase (FASN), targeting metabolic pathways disrupted by the overproduction of palmitate, a fatty acid. Denifanstat, their leading drug candidate, is an oral, once-daily FASN inhibitor under development for MASH treatment. The recent Phase 2b clinical trial, FASCINATE-2, has shown positive results based on liver biopsy endpoints.

MASH, a severe and progressive liver disease, affects an estimated 115 million people globally. There is currently only one approved treatment in the United States, and none in Europe. In 2023, medical societies and patient groups globally redefined non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) to metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) and MASH, respectively. Additionally, the term steatotic liver disease (SLD) was introduced as an umbrella term for liver diseases characterized by fat accumulation. This renaming effort aims to reduce stigma and provide a more accurate diagnosis.

Sagimet's research on denifanstat highlights its potential in addressing the fibrosis associated with MASH. The presentation at the MASH Drug Development Summit will elaborate on the clinical data and mechanisms that differentiate denifanstat from other treatments. The positive outcomes from the FASCINATE-2 trial bolster Sagimet’s efforts to advance denifanstat through further clinical development stages.

Dr. O’Farrell's presentation is expected to provide insights into the drug's efficacy and the innovative approaches Sagimet is taking to tackle MASH. This comes at a crucial time as the medical community seeks effective treatments for this widespread and debilitating condition. The company’s continued focus on FASN inhibitors underscores its commitment to addressing complex metabolic diseases through targeted therapeutic strategies.

In summary, Sagimet Biosciences is making significant strides in the development of denifanstat for MASH, with promising clinical trial results. The upcoming presentation at the MASH Drug Development Summit will be a key moment for the company to share its progress and the potential impact of its research on the future of MASH treatment.

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!