#USA #Watertown #Diagonal Therapeutics #DIAG723 #Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension

Introduction

In the realm of biotechnology, innovations are continuously shaping the future of health care, particularly for conditions that currently lack effective treatment options. Diagonal Therapeutics is at the forefront of this transformation with its lead product, DIAG723, aimed at tackling pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). Recently, the company announced the presentation of groundbreaking preclinical data demonstrating the potential of DIAG723 to modify the disease landscape for this life-threatening condition during the upcoming European Respiratory Society (ERS) Congress 2025, set to take place from September 27 to October 1 in Amsterdam.

Understanding Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension (PAH)

Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a rare but progressive disease that significantly impacts the cardiovascular system. Characterized by elevated blood pressure in the pulmonary arteries, PAH can lead to severe health complications, including heart failure. The condition arises due to an imbalance in cellular signaling pathways, resulting in excessive proliferation of vascular cells, which thickens and narrows the pulmonary arteries. Furthermore, mutations affecting the ALK1 and BMPRII signaling pathways have been closely associated with the onset and progression of PAH.

DIAG723: A First-in-Class Approach

DIAG723 represents a novel bispecific antibody designed to address the dysfunctional signaling associated with both PAH and hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia (HHT). By clustering the ALK1 and BMPRII receptors, DIAG723 aims to restore normal signaling pathways and thereby mitigate the hyperproliferation of vascular cells. This mechanism positions DIAG723 as a potentially Class I treatment option, addressing the underlying cause of PAH rather than solely managing its symptoms.

Promising Preclinical Data

The newly presented data showcases DIAG723's ability to modify disease processes effectively. In controlled settings, the treatment has demonstrated remarkable efficacy in stabilizing key hemodynamic parameters and reversing right ventricular remodeling, which is often a consequence of PAH. In the Sugen-Hypoxia model—considered the gold standard for preclinical PAH studies—DIAG723 not only prevented elevations in mean pulmonary arterial pressure (mPAP) but also outperformed existing treatments like sildenafil in reducing RV systolic pressure (RVSP), showcasing its therapeutic superiority.

Expert Perspectives

Dr. Patrick Andre, Chief Scientific Officer of Diagonal Therapeutics, emphasized the significance of these findings. "While current PAH therapies exist, their effectiveness varies, and many patients remain at risk for mortality due to disease progression. Our findings suggest that DIAG723's receptor clustering method can induce beneficial changes in pulmonary hemodynamics, demonstrating promising therapeutic potential," he stated. The company's strategic emphasis on restoring ALK1 signaling echoes a broader conceptual approach to PAH treatment, providing new hope to patients affected by this debilitating disease.

Presentation Details

During the ERS Congress 2025, the findings will be formally presented as part of the session dedicated to exploring new molecular pathways and therapeutic insights related to PAH. The title of the presentation, "ALK1BMPRII receptor clustering by an agonist bispecific antibody (DIAG723) prevents PAH development in the rat Sugen-Hypoxia model," will be discussed by Andy Sullivan, Director of Biology at Diagonal Therapeutics.

Conclusion

As the landscape of pulmonary arterial hypertension treatment evolves, DIAG723 is establishing itself as a frontrunner with its unique mechanism of action and encouraging preclinical results. The upcoming ERS Congress presents a vital platform for Diagonal Therapeutics to further engage with the scientific community, showcasing their commitment to advancing therapies that address the root causes of complex diseases like PAH. With ongoing developments and further clinical exploration on the horizon, DIAG723 has the potential to redefine treatment paradigms and improve the quality of life for individuals battling PAH.

About Diagonal Therapeutics

Diagonal Therapeutics is a biotechnology firm on a mission to innovate treatments that correct dysregulated signaling in numerous life-threatening conditions. Through a proprietary technology called the DIAGONAL Product Engine, the company is committed to navigating and overcoming the historical challenges associated with antibody drug discovery, prioritizing patient-oriented therapeutic solutions across multiple medical domains. For more information, visit their website at www.diagonaltx.com.