THR-123

THR-123 is a **small cyclic peptide** that acts as a **mimetic agonist of bone morphogenetic protein-7 (BMP-7)**, primarily targeting the **activin-like kinase 3 (ALK3) receptor (also known as BMPR1A)** within the TGF-β superfamily[1][5][9][7]. Its mechanism involves activating BMP signaling through ALK3, resulting in downstream Smad pathway activation. In preclinical models, THR-123 has demonstrated **anti-inflammatory**, **anti-apoptotic**, and **anti-fibrotic** effects—including inhibition of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT)—by reversing or preventing renal fibrosis when administered orally[1][3]. In diabetic animal models, THR-123 stimulates pancreatic β-cell regeneration and restores normoglycemia, presumably by expanding progenitor-like cells that develop into insulin-producing cells[2][5]. THR-123 also shows potential in preventing proliferative vitreoretinopathy and EMT in retinal pigment epithelial cells, implicating utility across fibrotic, metabolic, and regenerative indications[3].