Cutting-Edge Science

Our
Science

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How We Finish Fibrosis

We are on a quest to break new ground in fibrosis treatment through scientific discovery. Applying our extensive expertise in integrin and fibrosis biology, we have our sights set on creating groundbreaking new therapies for fibrosis and fibrosis-related diseases.

 

Our Path

 

Fibrosis is caused when cells that normally repair tissue through scar formation become dysregulated, or out of control. This dysregulation causes the cells to create and deposit excessive collagen in the affected organs, a process known as fibrosis. Fibrosis replaces healthy tissue with scar tissue in vital organs, causing irreparable damage and eventual organ failure.

Our Approach

The Role of Integrins in Fibrosis

The TGF-β Fibrosis Cascade

PLN-74809 – Pliant’s Tissue-Specific Approach to Treating Fibrosis

Our Difference

Transforming growth factor beta, or TGF-β, is a key driver of fibrosis. A number of investigational therapies for fibrotic and other diseases systemically block TGF-β, risking toxicity to a patient’s unaffected organs due to TGF-β’s many important roles in healthy tissues. At Pliant, our focus is on using tissue-specific integrin targets to block TGF-β only in affected organs, with the goal of reducing side effects.

Our Integrin Focused Library Drives the Core Platform for Our Pipeline

Our Advanced Integrin Library
We have developed an industry-leading library of over 7,000 annotated integrin binding molecules to probe the molecular drivers of fibrotic disease. This library enables the screening of newly identified targets to create a deep well of potential drug candidates.

Our Limitless Possibilities
Currently, our proprietary capabilities include a target expression atlas, an expansive library of over 7,000 integrin binding molecules, integrin screening assay platform, live fibrotic human tissue assay program, PET ligand imaging program, and biomarker assays. We continue to expand our integrin inhibitor library and develop tools, such as additional PET ligands as well as novel disease biomarkers. In addition, we have a searchable library of over 70,000 compounds for non-integrin targets.

Our Pipeline

Pipeline

Our highly experienced team of fibrosis and drug development experts are claiming new territory in tissue-specific therapies. Pliant's broad pipeline includes two clinical stage programs, including the first clinical stage, oral, selective small molecule integrin inhibitor, PLN-74809. Learn More →

Pipeline Programs

  • PLN-74809 for IPF and PSC →
    Our lead product candidate, PLN-74809, is an investigational oral treatment for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) and primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC). We are currently recruiting Phase 2a clinical trials in both IPF and PSC.
  • PLN-74809 for COVID-19 ARDS →
    Excess TGF-β plays an important role in the progression of COVID-19 patients to acute respiratory distress syndrome, or ARDS. We are currently recruiting a Phase 2 trial evaluating safety and pharmacokinetics of PLN-74809 in severe and critically ill COVID-19 patients.
  • PLN-1474 NASH →
    PLN-1474 is an oral investigational treatment for liver fibrosis associated with nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). We are currently conducting a Phase 1 first-in-human trial in healthy volunteers. This program is partnered with Novartis.
  • Oncology →
    Our oncology program focuses on increasing the sensitivity of "cold" tumors to checkpoint inhibitor therapies by blocking avß8-mediated TGF-ß activation in the tumor microenvironment. This program is currently in preclinical development.
  • Muscular Dystrophy →
    Pliant has identified a target integrin receptor that acts as a natural compensatory mechanism in Duchenne muscular dystrophy, as well as other types of muscular dystrophy. By activating this receptor, it may be possible stabilize muscle cells, increasing muscle strength and reducing muscle damage. This program is currently in preclinical development.