#Canada #Toronto #Alport Syndrome #Fibrocor #Nephrology Experts

Fibrocor Therapeutics Bolsters Clinical Strategy

Fibrocor Therapeutics has taken a significant step forward in its clinical strategy by appointing four world-renowned nephrology and genetics experts to its newly established Clinical Advisory Board (CAB). This strategic move is aimed at accelerating the development of therapies for Alport Syndrome, a severe genetic kidney disease that currently lacks approved treatments.

The newly formed CAB consists of eminent figures in the field of nephrology and genetics:

• - Professor Rachel Lennon holds a position at the University of Manchester and serves as an honorary consultant in pediatric nephrology at the Royal Manchester Children's Hospital. She is revered for her extensive research on basement membranes, which are crucial structures that play a role in kidney diseases, including Alport Syndrome.

• - Professor Daniel Gale, who leads the Centre for Genetics and Genomics at University College London, has made significant contributions to genomic testing for rare kidney diseases. His leadership in establishing the North Thames Genomic Laboratory Hub underscores his commitment to advancing the understanding of conditions like Alport Syndrome.

• - Professor Bertrand Knebelmann is affiliated with Université Paris Cité and Necker Hospital, where he co-directs a reference center for hereditary renal diseases. His expertise in diagnosing genetic kidney disorders makes him a valuable addition to the CAB.

• - Dr. Alessia Fornoni serves as a professor of medicine and molecular pharmacology at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine. She is recognized for her work on therapies aimed at glomerular diseases, making her insights particularly relevant for addressing Alport Syndrome and similar conditions.

The CEO of Fibrocor Therapeutics, William Newsome III, expressed that the formation of the CAB marks a critical milestone in the company’s journey toward clinical advancement in Alport Syndrome therapies. He stated, "This world-renowned team of experts will provide essential guidance as Fibrocor looks to revolutionize the treatment of kidney diseases with our pipeline of therapeutics that tackle the roots of disease. We are honored to be working with such a high caliber team. Their input will be invaluable."

Understanding Alport Syndrome
Alport Syndrome is recognized as a rare genetic kidney condition characterized by progressive fibrosis that leads to declining kidney function, with many patients eventually requiring dialysis or transplantation from early adulthood. Additionally, it can lead to extra-renal manifestations like hearing loss and eye abnormalities. Despite being categorized as a rare disease, Alport Syndrome affects an estimated 360,000 individuals across major global markets, with approximately 60,000 cases in the United States alone.

Fibrocor's commitment to addressing this significant unmet medical need is supported by the Alport Syndrome Foundation, an independent non-profit organization that focuses on improving the lives of those affected by the condition. This collaboration facilitates patient engagement and regulatory input, essential elements in advancing therapeutic strategies.

Fibrocor’s Vision
Fibrocor Therapeutics aims to develop first-in-class therapies targeting kidney diseases at their roots by inhibiting fibroblast activation and excessive collagen deposition. With the lead focus on Alport Syndrome, the company seeks to bring transformative outcomes for patients who face early dialysis or transplantation due to this debilitating condition. Utilizing a biomarker-driven approach and leveraging human biopsy-derived targets, Fibrocor has laid out a clear, translatable clinical strategy, aiming for accelerated approval of its lead program in 2029.

With a robust leadership team, including CEO William Newsome, scientific leader Piet Wigerinck, and clinical expert Paul Ford, Fibrocor is well-positioned to advance its pipeline. The company is actively advancing programs in other kidney-related conditions and aims to identify precision targets that would slow disease progression and preserve long-term organ health.