New publication: Inducible release of MMP-13 inhibitor BI-4394 from an injectable hydrogel protects cartilage in osteoarthritis disease model
25 June 2024
Deepa Ghosh, one of our panelists in our recent opnMe online seminar (March 21, 2024), has published her results with our opnMe molecule BI-4394 in the Journal of Materials Chemicals B1. Together with her team from the Institute of Nano Science and Technology (INST) in India, she established a new route of administration for our highly selective matrix metalloproteinase 13 (MMP-13) inhibitor, which holds promise as a potential new modality for osteoarthritis (OA). Her research in a rat OA model demonstrates that, compared to direct intra-articular administration of free BI-4394, delivery of the molecule using an enzyme-responsive hydrogel was more effective in preserving cartilage from degeneration. The results provide further preclinical evidence on the prophylactic potential of MMP-13 inhibitors in preventing the progress of cartilage degeneration.
Watch our MPP-13 online seminar recording, where Deepa provides further insights into her studies.
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About MMP-13 antagonist BI-4394:
BI-4394 is the result of structure-based drug design, leading to a highly potent inhibitor of MMP-13 with excellent selectivity against several other MMPs. MMP-13, also known as collagenase-3 (CLG3) is a key enzyme in the MMP family, involved in the breakdown of extracellular matrix in normal physiological processes and disease progression such as arthritis and metastasis.
About opnMe:
opnMe.com, the open science portal of Boehringer Ingelheim, fosters science and collaboration initiatives in areas of high unmet medical need. Our molecules are provided to the scientific community either free of charge as “Molecules to Order” or applied via scientific research submissions as “Molecules for Collaboration”. With our “opn2EXPERTS” and “techMATCH” programs, we enlist scientific advice on key scientific topics to fuel further drug discovery and deliver novel solutions that benefit unmet patient needs. Our “opn2TALENTS” postdoc grants at one of our research sites awards opportunities for high-level talents by proposing their own innovative approaches for precisely defined scientific questions.
About opnMe online seminars:
We invite you to watch the recordings of our online seminars on opnMe on the following topics:
- BCL6 Degrader: Elucidating the mechanism of small molecule induced protein degradation
- PROTAC ACBI1: Illuminating the role of SMARCA2/4 in childhood cancer
- Applying optogenetics to analyze neuronal networks in mental health (coming soon)
References:
1Roy H. S., Murugesan P., Kulkarni C., Arora M., Kumar Nagar G., Guha R., Chattopadhyay N., Ghosh D. On-demand release of a selective MMP-13 blocker from an enzyme-responsive injectable hydrogel protects cartilage from degenerative progression in osteoarthritis. J. Mater. Chem. B. 2024, 12, 5325. DOI: 10.1039/d3tb02871b