Targeting the Imidazoline I1 receptor as a novel treatment for Atherosclerosis

Introduction

Atherosclerosis (AT) is one of the main causes of death worldwide. Current treatments (e.g. lipid-lowering therapies) are still insufficient to tackle future cardiovascular (CV) events, and we urgently need new complementary treatments to improve therapeutic efficacy.

Project Goals

ImnovAth aims to develop the new idea of targeting a metabolite/metabolite receptor axis to complete our preclinical results with an existing pharmacological agent that blocks this pathway, with the long-term goal of moving towards clinical trials and a marketable product.

Research Findings

In the context of our ERC-funded project, we found a microbiota-derived metabolite that affects the development of innate and adaptive immunity. We have subsequently found that this metabolite is both associated with and causal for AT, and that blockade of the sensing of this metabolite prevents AT progression.

Proposed Actions

We propose the following actions:

1. Validation: Demonstrate that blockade of the metabolite/metabolite receptor axis is effective in AT treatment. We will study the toxicity/tolerability of the existing pharmacological agent and the effect/efficacy of the blockade of this axis with the pharmacological agent alone or in combination with other current gold-standard treatments for AT in a preclinical therapeutic setting.

2. IPR Strategy: Reinforce our intellectual property rights (IPR) position and strategy proceeding towards a marketable product based on our currently filed patent application, market analysis, and industry sector contacts.

3. Dissemination and Communication: Conduct dissemination and communication activities.

Conclusion

In sum, we propose an alternative therapy for AT focused on the inhibition of a novel target that can generate an independent or complementary therapy to existing gold-standard treatments for AT, thus increasing their effectiveness.