Px-104

Px-104 is a potent, non-steroidal, orally active agonist of the farnesoid X receptor (FXR), a nuclear receptor that serves as a master regulator of bile acid homeostasis, lipid metabolism, and glucose levels. Developed by Phenex Pharmaceuticals AG, Px-104 was primarily investigated for the treatment of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). By activating FXR, the drug aims to reduce hepatic fat accumulation (steatosis), inhibit inflammation, and prevent the progression of liver fibrosis. In late 2014, Gilead Sciences acquired Phenex's FXR program in a deal worth up to $470 million, which included Px-104 and other proprietary FXR agonists. While Px-104 reached Phase 2 clinical testing, subsequent development by Gilead focused on other candidates from the acquired library, most notably cilofexor (GS-9674).