GRI Bio Announces Promising Data on NKT Cell Modulators for the Treatment of Chronic Inflammatory Diseases
GRI Bio, a biotechnology company focused on developing innovative treatments for inflammatory, fibrotic, and autoimmune diseases, has recently published an article highlighting the potential of their NKT cell modulators in the treatment of chronic inflammatory diseases. The article, titled “Type 1 invariant natural killer T cells in chronic inflammation and tissue fibrosis,” reviews data from both experimental models and human studies that suggest the activation of type 1 invariant NKT (iNKT) cells plays a crucial role in the progression of inflammatory cascades leading to fibrosis.
NKT cells are a unique type of T cell that possess properties of both natural killer cells and T lymphocytes. They are known to interact with and influence the activity of other cell types, serving as a functional link between the innate and adaptive immune systems. The research conducted by GRI Bio supports the notion that iNKT cells are selectively activated in chronic inflammatory and fibrotic diseases such as idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), lupus nephritis, and nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH).
Dr. Cormac McCarthy, Associate Professor of Medicine at University College Dublin, School of Medicine, and Consultant Respiratory Physician at St. Vincent’s University Hospital, expressed optimism about the emerging evidence on the role of iNKT cells in chronic inflammation and fibrosis. He emphasized the significant unmet need for therapeutic solutions that can halt the progression of fibrotic diseases like IPF and NASH.
GRI Bio’s lead program, GRI-0621, is a small molecule RAR-βɣ dual agonist that inhibits the activity of iNKT cells. Preliminary trials have shown promising results, with GRI-0621 improving fibrosis in multiple disease models and demonstrating positive effects on inflammation and injury markers in patients. The company is on track to launch a Phase 2a biomarker study evaluating GRI-0621 for the treatment of IPF by the end of 2023.
Marc Hertz, PhD, Chief Executive Officer of GRI Bio, expressed confidence in the potential of their NKT platform technology to interrupt disease progression and provide benefits to patients. He highlighted the company’s commitment to leveraging this technology to develop novel biomarkers and therapeutic targets that can differentiate stages of fibrosis progression.
The research conducted by GRI Bio contributes to a better understanding of the cellular and molecular mechanisms involved in progressive fibrotic diseases. These findings hold promise for the development of new therapeutic interventions to address the unmet needs of patients suffering from chronic inflammation and tissue fibrosis.
Contact:
Jenene Thomas
JTC Team, LLC
Phone: (833) 475-8247
Email: GRI@jtcir.com