QXT-101

QXT-101 is a first-in-class small molecule drug developed for the treatment of acute lung injury (ALI), including primary graft dysfunction (PGD) following lung transplantation and severe COVID-19. The compound was discovered at Yale University in Dr. Dianqing (Dan) Wu’s laboratory and is being developed by Qx Therapeutics, a Yale spinout company. Its mechanism of action involves inhibition of the MAP3K2 and MAP3K3 pathways (mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase kinase 2/3), which are implicated in inflammatory responses leading to ALI and ARDS from various causes, including reperfusion injury and viral infection. Preclinical studies have shown efficacy in animal models, and it has received FDA Fast Track designation for PGD after lung transplantation. Phase 2 clinical trials are ongoing or planned for both PGD in lung transplant recipients and severe COVID-19[1][2][3][4][5][7].