Anders Hallberg, a medicinal chemist, started his research in the lab in the 1990s without the specific aim of targeting a particular disease. He was focused on understanding the renin-angiotensin system (RAS) in the body. This system regulates blood pressure and fluid balance and plays a role in various bodily functions. Hallberg and his team wanted to manipulate this system using specially designed molecules.
Their interest was in activating the angiotensin II type 2 receptor (AT2 receptor) within the RAS. By creating molecules that selectively targeted the AT2 receptor, they hoped to uncover its potential benefits. Through collaboration with Lars Fändriks, they developed a promising molecule called C21. This molecule showed the ability to activate the AT2 receptor and had properties suitable for drug development, such as oral delivery and sufficient absorption.
The journey from basic research to a market-ready drug was long and challenging. In the early 2000s, Hallberg and Fändriks founded Vicore Pharma to further develop C21 and similar molecules. The company aimed to bring potential treatments to severely ill patients, such as those suffering from idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. This rare and fatal lung disease causes lung tissue scarring, leading to breathing difficulties with no current cure.
Recent clinical trials on the drug candidate, now named buloxibutid, have shown promising results. Patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis experienced improved lung capacity after receiving the treatment. The next phase involves a larger study with participants from multiple countries, backed by investment from pharmaceutical companies like Sanofi.
The research on C21 and its effects on lung diseases have highlighted the importance of the AT2 receptor in maintaining healthy lung function. The potential of buloxibutid to treat conditions like idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis offers hope to patients who previously had no effective treatment options.
Hallberg’s dedication to translating basic research into life-changing therapies underscores the importance of scientific discoveries in improving healthcare outcomes. The progress from understanding the RAS system to developing a drug candidate for a fatal lung disease demonstrates the impact of interdisciplinary collaboration and long-term commitment to scientific exploration. As further studies unfold, the potential of buloxibutid to address unmet medical needs in lung diseases remains a beacon of hope for patients and researchers alike.
