NORTH CHICAGO, ILLINOIS, May 1, 2025 — BLR Bio, a biotechnology company in Rosalind Franklin University’s Helix 51 incubator, announced new data on its novel therapy for systemic sclerosis and lung fibrosis at the British Society for Rheumatology (BSR) Annual Conference this week in Manchester, UK.
Interstitial
Lung Disease (ILD) is a devastating disorder, encompassing a group of chronic
lung conditions that affect the tissue between the air sacs in the lungs. ILD
conditions can include Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), which can result
from systemic sclerosis. The estimated prevalence in the United States is
654,852, according to a February 2024 publication in the journal CHEST.
“These
patients are in urgent need of a therapy that can halt or reverse this disease
without the threat of serious side effects,” said BLR Bio CEO and CSO Dr. Bruce
Riser.
In the
new study, presented by Dr. Andrew Leask at the University of
Saskatchewan in Canada, BLR 200, the company’s lead compound,
demonstrated the ability to reduce key disease tissue markers for fibrotic
lung disease. Reductions were shown in Ashcroft scores, collagen levels,
and both fibronectin-1 (FN-1) and profibrotic CCN4, signaling molecules
involved in the development of scar tissue. Dr. Leask is a leading
expert in fibrosis and CCN proteins and a long-term collaborator with BLR Bio.
“Our data
shows the reductions in Ashcroft scores and collagen levels appear to be more
pronounced than those seen with other therapies on the market and in
development,” Dr. Riser said.
“Combined
with prior observations modeling scleroderma skin fibrosis, BLR-200 has shown
the potential to address both skin and lung fibrosis. It appears to be the only drug in development that reduces expression of
all three CCN proteins — CCN1, CCN2, CCN4 — that play a
crucial role in the activation of fibroblast cells critical for initiating and
maintaining fibrosis.”
Dr. Joseph DiMario, RFU Interim VP for Research, noted that BLR Bio was
one of the first tenants of Helix 51. “We are very pleased to see the progress the company is making toward
the development of life-changing medicines,” he said. About Rosalind Franklin University Rosalind
Franklin University of Medicine and Science embodies the spirit of inquiry and
excellence modeled by its namesake Dr. Rosalind Franklin, whose Photo 51 was
crucial to solving the structure of DNA. Recognized for its research in areas
including neuroscience, brain-related diseases, inherited disorders, diabetes,
obesity, and gait and balance, RFU encompasses the Chicago Medical School,
College of Health Professions, College of Nursing, College of Pharmacy, School
of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies and the Dr. William M. Scholl College of
Podiatric Medicine. Learn more at rosalindfranklin.edu.
About BLR Bio
Learn more at blrbio.com.
Office of Marketing and Communications media@rosalindfranklin.edu
