NYR In Vivo Trial Results Show Further Positive Results

Last Friday, Nyrada released further positive results from an animal trial using a mouse model genetically modified to mimic human-like characteristics concerning cholesterol metabolism and cardiovascular health. The results have verified that inhibition of PCSK9 by NYX-PCSK9i is the mechanism of action that results in the lowering of cholesterol levels in the blood. PCSK9 is a naturally produced protein that plays a counter role in the regulation of cholesterol. It does this by degrading the LDL receptor (LDLr), reducing the number of receptors available to remove LDL cholesterol. Treatment with PCSK9i significantly increased the number of LDL receptors present, improving the body’s ability to clear LDL cholesterol from the bloodstream. LDLr binds to cholesterol particles in the blood and absorbs them into the cell where they are broken down rather than floating around in the bloodstream, potentially building up in arteries which can lead to a heart attack or stroke.

Results from the study (see chart below) revealed NYX-PCSK9i enabled the mice to excrete a higher volume of cholesterol than both the vehicle control and animals dosed with Lipitor® alone. Significantly, an even stronger result was observed when NYX-PCSK9i was used in combination with Lipitor.

These results bode well for Nyrada as it commences safety pharmacology and toxicology studies required prior to a planned Phase I study in humans expected to commence in mid-2022.