Early Data Support NXP004 as Potential IPF Treatment

NXP004, Nuformix’s potential anti-fibrotic treatment for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), led to a dose-dependent reduction in the production and deposition of proteins that are known key drivers of fibrosis (tissue scarring) and IPF progression, a preclinical study shows.

Although these are preliminary findings in a tissue study, the company also reports they support NXP004’s anti-fibrotic activity as comparing well with standard of care therapies for IPF.

Nuformix specializes in repurposing approved treatments for people with other diseases.

“Whilst this is only the pilot phase of this pre-clinical study, positive indications of anti-fibrotic activity are very encouraging,” Joanne Holland, PhD, chief scientific officer of Nuformix, said in a press release.

NXP004 is a reformulation of an existing therapy that uses Nuformix’s proprietary cocrystal technology to change the drug’s crystalline structure. By changing its crystalline structure, the company seeks to overcome the limitations of the original therapy, including its formulation and side effects, that may have prevented it from being used for other indications.

On its website and in its release, Nuformix does not specify which approved treatment served as the basis of this reformulation.

NXP004 is being investigated as a potential anti-fibrotic treatment for several fibrotic diseases, including IPF. With the help of its research partner, Newcastle Fibrosis Research Group (NFRG), Nuformix launched a pilot preclinical study to assess NXP004’s potential in treating several types of fibrosis affecting different tissues.

Part of the study involved assessing lung tissue samples from IPF patients, and comparing the effects of NXP004 to that of standard of care therapies.

The pilot study, which was expected to conclude before year’s end, was delayed as NFRG’s equipment and staff were mobilized by the U.K. government to assist with healthcare services during the COVID-19 pandemic. Its initial phase is now concluded.

“We would like to thank our research partner NFRG for prioritizing completion of this study under challenging circumstances,” Holland said.

Findings showed that NXP004 is able to lower, in a dose-dependent manner, the production and deposition of pro-fibrotic proteins in patients’ lung tissue samples.

Data also suggested that NXP004’s anti-fibrotic activity “compares favorably” to standard of care therapies.

Nuformix is focused on  presenting full data on NXP004’s effects on multiple tissue samples from IPF patients.