OST-400

OST-400 is a gene therapy candidate developed by Oisín Biotechnologies, designed as a senolytic treatment for chronic kidney disease (CKD). The therapeutic utilizes the company's proprietary Proteo-Lipid Vehicle (PLV) delivery platform to transport a DNA plasmid encoding a 'suicide gene' (typically inducible caspase-9) under the control of the p16INK4a promoter. This mechanism specifically targets senescent cells, which are characterized by high expression of p16INK4a, a biomarker of cellular aging. Upon entry into a senescent cell, the promoter activates the expression of the suicide gene, triggering selective apoptosis and reducing the burden of senescent cells that contribute to inflammation and tissue fibrosis. By clearing these cells, OST-400 aims to restore organ function and slow the progression of age-related pathologies like CKD.