C4XD NRF2 activator

The C4XD NRF2 activator program is a series of oral small molecule activators of the Nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (NRF2) transcription factor. Originally developed by C4X Discovery and licensed exclusively to AstraZeneca in November 2022, the program focuses on treating chronic respiratory and inflammatory diseases. NRF2 is a master regulator of the cellular antioxidant response; its activation upregulates the expression of various cytoprotective and antioxidant genes, thereby reducing oxidative stress and inflammation. The lead compounds have demonstrated significant NRF2 activation and anti-inflammatory activity in tissues such as the lung and liver, with a duration of action exceeding 12 hours. The primary clinical focus is Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), with potential applications in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), sickle cell disease, and pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). As of early 2024, the program is in preclinical development, with AstraZeneca having triggered a milestone payment for its progress.

Other names

NRF2 Activator programmeNRF-2 Activator programmeNRF 2 Activator programmeC4X Discovery-NRF2-small molecule-oral-inflammatory diseases-chronic respiratory diseasesC-4X Discovery-NRF2-small molecule-oral-inflammatory diseases-chronic respiratory diseasesC 4X Discovery-NRF2-small molecule-oral-inflammatory diseases-chronic respiratory diseases