PERA-5720

PERA-5720 is a preclinical small molecule inhibitor of aldo-keto reductase family 1 member C3 (AKR1C3), also known as type 5 17β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (17β-HSD5). Developed by PostEra using its Proton AI platform, the drug is designed to treat polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome (PMOS), formerly known as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). AKR1C3 is upregulated in the adipose and ovarian tissues of PMOS patients, where it converts androstenedione to active testosterone, driving a local androgen amplification loop that leads to hyperandrogenism and insulin resistance. By inhibiting AKR1C3, PERA-5720 aims to reduce systemic and intra-adipose androgen levels, thereby mitigating symptoms such as hirsutism and improving metabolic and reproductive outcomes.