A novel idea in the NASH race

Meet NLRP3, a complex of proteins that plays a role in the inflammatory process and, according to some in biotech, looks like a winning target for treating the prevalent liver disease NASH.

As STAT's Diana Cai explains, NLRP3 has an essential role in protecting the body from foreign invaders, but in the case of inflammatory diseases like NASH, the protein complex can get overactive and lead to tissue damage. That’s why NodThera, a U.K. startup developing NLRP3 inhibitors, managed to raise $40 million in venture cash last year. And it’s why Swiss pharma giant Novartis bought the NLRP3-focused company IFM Tre back in April.

But any drug aimed at the protein complex will need to be precise, scientists warn. A mis-tuned molecule could interfere with NLRP3’s protective function and leave patients susceptible to infection.

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