SP16

SP16 is a 17-amino acid peptide that acts as an agonist of the Low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein 1 (LRP1). It was designed to mimic the LRP1 binding portion of alpha-1 antitrypsin (AAT), creating a synthetic "biosuperior" that retains the anti-inflammatory and pro-survival effects of AAT while potentially offering improved safety and efficacy profiles. The drug works by restoring balance to harmful inflammatory environments, creating what Serpin Pharma describes as "an entirely new class of therapeutics for unmet medical needs". When SP16 binds to the LRP1 receptor, it stimulates the body's innate mechanism for inflammation management. SP16 has been evaluated in clinical trials, including a completed Phase 1 study that demonstrated safety and tolerability in healthy volunteers. The drug has shown promise in various indications, with the most advanced development being Phase 2 trials for inflammation and myocardial infarction. In preclinical studies for acute myocardial infarction (AMI), a single SP16 injection preserved heart function, reduced infarcts, and decreased biomarkers of cardiac injury. A modified version, SP16-3M, is being developed for chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy in breast cancer patients, supported by a grant from the National Cancer Institute.