HW241045

HW241045 is a small molecule inhibitor of Rho-associated protein kinase 2 (ROCK2) being developed by Hubei Bio-Pharmaceutical Industrial Technological Institute Inc. for the treatment of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). ROCK2 is a serine/threonine kinase that plays a critical role in regulating the actin cytoskeleton and mediating signaling pathways involved in fibroblast-to-myofibroblast differentiation, collagen synthesis, and tissue remodeling. By selectively inhibiting ROCK2, HW241045 aims to suppress the pro-fibrotic processes in the lungs while potentially avoiding the systemic hypotension associated with non-selective ROCK1/2 inhibition. The drug is currently undergoing Phase 1 clinical evaluation to assess its safety, tolerability, and pharmacokinetics in healthy volunteers.