Ligand 9

Ligand 9 is a highly potent, chemically stable, and selective prostacyclin (PGI2) analogue developed by the University of Bristol in collaboration with IPSTherapeutique. It is designed as a hybrid molecule that combines the ω-side chain of cicaprost with the C-7 difluorinated enol ether of PGI2, which significantly enhances its chemical stability compared to endogenous prostacyclin. Ligand 9 acts as a potent agonist of the prostacyclin (IP) receptor, demonstrating picomolar to nanomolar potency. It has been shown to robustly inhibit platelet activation and aggregation, suppress thrombus formation, and induce strong pulmonary arterial vasodilation. In experimental models of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), such as the Sugen hypoxia-induced rat model, continuous infusion of Ligand 9 dose-dependently restored pulmonary arterial pressure, right ventricular pressure, and cardiac output without affecting systemic blood pressure or heart rate, making it a promising therapeutic candidate for PAH and thrombotic disorders.

Other names

compound 9compound9compound-9difluorinated PGI2 analogue 9fluorinated PGI2 analogue 9