#China #Chengdu #BioAge #HitGen #BGE-102

HitGen and BioAge Labs Advance Cardiovascular Drug Development

Introduction
In a significant development within the biopharmaceutical industry, HitGen Inc., a prominent player listed on the Shanghai Stock Exchange, has announced that its partner, BioAge Labs, is progressing with the clinical trial of BGE-102. This new oral therapy is identified as an NLRP3 inhibitor aimed at reducing cardiovascular risk. The announcement follows the recent dosing of the first participant in the QUELL-CV trial, marking a crucial step in the ongoing investigation of this innovative treatment.

Understanding BGE-102
BGE-102 has been developed from a compound discovered through HitGen's pioneering DNA-Encoded Library (DEL) technology. It is designed as a once-daily oral medication, with the primary indication being to lower cardiovascular risks. Initial Phase 1 trial results have set the stage for BGE-102 to potentially become a leading NLRP3 inhibitor, showcasing impressive reductions in high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) levels, while being well tolerated by participants.

The QUELL-CV trial is structured as a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study, which will evaluate various doses of BGE-102 among participants already identified as having heightened cardiovascular risks. The outcomes will play a vital role in determining the optimal dosage for future Phase 3 trials. Results from this current phase are expected to be available in the latter half of 2026, providing valuable insights into the drug's efficacy and safety profile.

Leadership Insights
Dr. Jin Li, the Chairman and CEO of HitGen, expressed strong support for the progress achieved with the BGE-102 trial, emphasizing its significance not just for the company, but also for the partnership model that HitGen has established with BioAge. He remarked, “The achievement of reaching Phase 2 for BGE-102 not only demonstrates the capabilities of our DEL platform in creating novel small-molecule leads but also reinforces the power of collaboration with BioAge.”

In alignment with this, Kristen Fortney, CEO and co-founder of BioAge, praised the achievement, noting that HitGen's DEL platform has been instrumental in identifying unique NLRP3 inhibitor candidates. She highlighted the medicinal chemistry team's efforts in transforming these hits into the promising BGE-102, which specifically interacts with a novel binding site, leading to significant reductions in hsCRP as observed in Phase 1 trials.

HitGen’s Role in Drug Discovery
HitGen has positioned itself as a key player in therapeutic discovery, supplying both therapeutic and novel tool molecules to the pharmaceutical sector. By the conclusion of 2025, the company had collaborated with over 600 clients globally, making substantial contributions to a myriad of innovative drug development initiatives. This extensive network underscores HitGen's capability to leverage its DEL technology to address complex medical challenges effectively.

Looking Ahead
As BGE-102 progresses through the QUELL-CV trial, industry observers and participants are anticipating the results that could reshape the treatment landscape for cardiovascular diseases. The findings may not only validate the effectiveness of BGE-102 but could also signify a new era of targeted therapies that address the biological mechanisms of aging in relation to cardiometabolic health.

In summary, the collaboration between HitGen and BioAge marks an exciting juncture in cardiovascular drug development, reflecting both companies’ commitment to advancing healthcare through innovative solutions. The ongoing work is illustrative of the vital cross-industry partnerships necessary to tackle some of modern medicine's most pressing challenges.