NTCP inhibitor (Leuven CD3)

This preclinical small molecule program, developed by the Leuven Centre for Drug Design and Discovery (CD3) in collaboration with KU Leuven, focuses on inhibiting the Sodium/taurocholate cotransporting polypeptide (NTCP). NTCP is a key hepatic transporter responsible for the uptake of bile salts from the blood into the liver and serves as the essential entry receptor for the Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) and Hepatitis D Virus (HDV). By inhibiting NTCP, the drug candidate aims to block viral entry into hepatocytes, providing a potential treatment for chronic HBV and HDV infections. Additionally, because NTCP regulates bile acid levels, its inhibition is being explored for the treatment of cholestatic liver diseases like Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis (PSC) and various metabolic disorders. As a small molecule, it offers the potential for oral administration, distinguishing it from existing peptide-based NTCP inhibitors.

Other names

NTCP small molecule inhibitorCD3 NTCP inhibitorCD-3 NTCP inhibitorCD 3 NTCP inhibitor