PLN-1474: MASH PLN-1474: MASH

PLN-1474: MASH

PLN-1474 is an oral, small-molecule selective inhibitor of αvβ1; in development for treatment of stage F3/F4 liver fibrosis associated with metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis, or MASH.

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About PLN-1474

MASH is a more severe form of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease, or MASLD. MASH is highly prevalent, affecting approximately 16.5 million adults in the United States, including approximately 3.3 million with stage F3/F4 fibrosis. The stage of fibrosis is the strongest predictor of liver-related morbidity and all-cause mortality in MASH. Patients with F3 and F4 fibrosis carry liver-related mortality risk that is 17 times and 42 times greater, respectively, than MASH patients without fibrosis. Therefore, we believe that treating F3/F4 liver fibrosis will have an impact on liver-related morbidity and all-cause mortality in MASH.

Integrin αvβ1 serves as an activator of TGF-ß and its expression has been shown to be upregulated in activated hepatic stellate cells and correlated with severity of liver fibrosis. By inhibiting αvβ1, we believe PLN-1474 could have a potent direct antifibrotic effect in advanced liver fibrosis.

Program Highlights

  • Proven mechanism in MASH/liver fibrosis
  • In a Phase 1 study, PLN-1474 was rapidly absorbed and well tolerated with no dose- or treatment-limiting toxicities or severe/serious adverse events observed
  • Preclinical activity in animal models of MASH-fibrosis (CCl4 – CDA-HFD)
  • Potent antifibrotic effect observed in live human MASH liver tissue
  • Favorable drug properties and pharmacokinetics
  • Orally bioavailable with preclinical PK suggesting BID or better oral dosing
  • Highly potent and highly selective: >100-fold αvβ1 selectivity vs. other integrins
  • PLN-1474 is a Phase-2 ready program

Development Status

  • In March 2021, Pliant announced the successful completion of a Phase 1 healthy volunteer trial
  • In February 2023, Novartis, as part of a global reorganization, returned the rights to PLN-1474 to Pliant