AVR-48

AVR-48 is a small molecule structural derivative of chitin developed as an investigational drug candidate primarily for the prevention and treatment of bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) and BPD-associated pulmonary hypertension (PH). It acts by modulating the immune response in the lungs; specifically it suppresses inflammation by decreasing pro-inflammatory cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFα), interleukin (IL)-13 and IL-1β while increasing anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10. AVR-48 binds selectively to toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) and CD163 receptor on monocytes/macrophages leading to reprogramming macrophages toward an intermediate phenotype that enhances bacterial phagocytosis and reduces lung injury. The drug has demonstrated efficacy in experimental mouse models of BPD and bacterial lung infection with no reported toxicity at tested doses. Pharmacokinetic studies show a shorter half-life suitable for therapeutic use. This positions AVR-48 as a promising future therapy for inflammatory lung diseases related to prematurity.

Other names

AVR-48AVR48AVR 48