OUR APPROACH
Bacainn approaches inflammation differently in gastrointestinal and respiratory diseases
In exploring novel approaches for ulcerative colitis, Bacainn looked beyond the role of T Cells in inflammation to see the potential of blocking neutrophil accumulation and activity in the colon. Our neutrophil-directed therapeutic for ulcerative colitis is designed to be gut-restricted and restore a normal balance of migration and activation of these “first responder” immune cells. The resulting modulation of neutrophils reduces their potential to cause intestinal tissue damage and the release of further proinflammatory signals
For respiratory inflammation, a breakthrough discovery of proprietary compounds that simultaneously block NLRP1 and NLRP3 inflammasomes and reduce levels of proinflammatory mediators such as IL1β offer exciting new potential for the treatment of inflammatory respiratory diseases
Bacainn’s lead candidate, BT051, is a novel gut-restricted inhibitor of MRP2/FPR1. BT051 is designed to treat the source of chronic IBD inflammation by directly restoring healthy levels of neutrophil and epithelial cell pro-inflammatory activation, and indirectly via limiting T cell activation. Our clinical studies are designed to investigate whether BT051 engagement with these multiple, inflammatory mechanisms can induce clinical remission and promote mucosal healing in people with moderate-to-severe ulcerative colitis
Data from a Phase 1a study in healthy subjects showed BT051:
- Achieves high colonic levels with little to no systemic exposure, creating a potentially safer alternative to other current treatment options
- Is generally safe and well tolerated
Bacainn is developing novel investigational candidates BT032 and BT132 for use in respiratory inflammation
Preclinical studies have demonstrated that these molecules have activity against both NLRP3 and NLRP1 inflammasomes
Bacainn’s research on inflammasomes is being done in collaboration with the University of Edinburgh Centre for Inflammation Research