AF02

AF02 is an orally administered small molecule soluble guanylate cyclase (sGC) stimulator being developed by Nanjing Huanbai Biotechnology for the treatment of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). As an sGC stimulator, AF02 works by directly stimulating the sGC enzyme and enhancing its sensitivity to endogenous nitric oxide (NO). This dual action leads to increased intracellular levels of cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP), which mediates smooth muscle relaxation in the pulmonary vasculature, resulting in vasodilation and reduced pulmonary arterial pressure. Additionally, the sGC-cGMP pathway has been shown to inhibit the proliferation of vascular smooth muscle cells and exert anti-inflammatory and anti-fibrotic effects, potentially addressing the underlying pathology of PAH. AF02 is currently in Phase 1 clinical trials in China to evaluate its safety, tolerability, and pharmacokinetics in healthy volunteers.