ARRESTO

Arresto Biosciences was a clinical-stage biotechnology company focused on developing medicines that target enzymes involved in the modification of the extracellular matrix to treat fibrotic diseases and cancer. The company's primary research centered on Lysyl oxidase-like 2 (LOXL2), an enzyme associated with the progression of fibrotic diseases and the development of solid tumors. Its lead product candidate, simtuzumab (formerly AB0024), was a humanized monoclonal antibody designed to inhibit LOXL2 and prevent the cross-linking of collagen. Arresto was acquired by Gilead Sciences in early 2011 for $225 million in upfront cash plus potential future milestone payments. While the technology was highly regarded at the time of acquisition, simtuzumab ultimately failed to demonstrate efficacy in several Phase 2 clinical trials conducted by Gilead.