March 17, 2022.- Attgeno AB today announces a research collaboration targeting to explore Supernitro (PDNO) as a new potential treatment for pulmonary hypertension by investigating specific drug mechanisms in the pathophysiology of the disease. The collaboration with TransMIT GmbH, the technology transfer agency of Justus-Liebig-University of Giessen (JLU) involves the TransMIT-Project Division for Pulmonary Pharmacotherapy, led by Prof. Dr. Ralph Schermuly, located at JLU with its Excellence Cluster Cardio-Pulmonary Institute (CPI), Germany.
Professor Ralph Schermuly and Professor Ardeschir Ghofrani of the TransMIT-Project Division for Pulmonary Pharmacotherapy located at JLU and CPI commented: “Advancing translational science in the field of pulmonary hypertension is critical to better explore potential new treatments. Supernitro, a novel intravenous nitric oxide-donor, might offer an innovative treatment option for patients with pulmonary hypertension.”
“I am very happy that Attgeno enters into this research partnership with TransMIT-Project Division for Pulmonary Pharmacotherapy located at JLU and the CPI. This key cooperation will help to elucidate the full potential of Supernitro. Professor Schermuly and Professor Ghofrani have an impressive track record and have been involved in almost every new drug for pulmonary hypertension entering the market during the last 20 years”, says Per Agvald, Attgeno’s co-founder and CEO.
About Attgeno
Attgeno AB is a privately held Swedish biotech company devoted to development and commercialization of innovative and effective nitric oxide-donating drugs. Its leading drug candidate Supernitro (PDNO) is currently in early (phase I/IIa) clinical development. For further information, please visit www.attgeno.com.
About Supernitro (PDNO)
Supernitro is administered as an intravenous infusion, which upon entry into the blood, has an ultra-short half-life rapidly releasing its active moiety nitric oxide (NO). As a result, most of its NO is released just through the short passage through the lung blood circulation where it reacts with the blood vessels and causes them to dilate. By the donation of NO in the lungs, Supernitro replaces the decrease in NO production that is a well-known consequence of different diseases leading to increased risk for pulmonary hypertension.
About pulmonary hypertension
Pulmonary hypertension is a condition of increased blood pressure in the arteries of the lungs. Symptoms include shortness of breath, fainting, tiredness, chest pain, swelling of the legs, and a fast heartbeat. Onset is typically gradual and prognosis poor.
The pathogenesis of pulmonary hypertension involves the narrowing of blood vessels connected to and within the lungs. This makes it harder for the heart to pump blood through the lungs, as it is much harder to make water flow through a narrow pipe as opposed to a wide one. Over time, the affected blood vessels become stiffer and thicker, in a process known as fibrosis. The mechanisms involved in this narrowing process include vasoconstriction, thrombosis, and vascular remodelling.