HW201877

HW201877 is a potent, orally active small molecule inhibitor of 15-prostaglandin dehydrogenase (15-PGDH) being developed by Wuhan Humanwell Innovative Drug Research and Development Center for the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), including Crohn's disease, and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. By inhibiting 15-PGDH, the enzyme responsible for the degradation of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), HW201877 increases local PGE2 levels to promote tissue repair and regeneration. The compound has demonstrated an IC50 value of 3.6 nM against its target and shows high oral bioavailability and liver microsomal stability. It is currently undergoing Phase 1 clinical trials to evaluate its safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics, and pharmacodynamics in healthy volunteers, with a specific focus on its potential to treat chronic gastrointestinal inflammatory conditions.