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

BioAge Labs Takes Important Step in Cardiovascular Health

On July 14, 2026, BioAge Labs, a clinical-stage biotechnology firm, announced a significant milestone by administering the first dose of BGE-102 to a participant in its Phase 2 clinical trial known as QUELL-CV. This innovative compound is an oral small-molecule inhibitor of NLRP3, aimed at reducing cardiovascular risk and enhancing heart health. The trial is part of BioAge's broader mission to develop therapeutics that leverage the biology of human aging to tackle cardiometabolic diseases.

Development Background

The genesis of BGE-102 can be traced back to the technological platform known as DEL (DNA Encoded Library), developed by HitGen Inc., which is instrumental in the identification of promising drug candidates. The compound has shown considerable promise in preclinical studies, leading to a successful Phase 1 trial where it demonstrated significant reductions in high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP), a key marker of inflammation associated with cardiovascular risk. The drug is designed for once-daily administration, aiming to cater to the needs of patients at high risk of cardiovascular events.

Phase 2 Study Details

The QUELL-CV trial is a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study designed to assess the efficacy and safety of BGE-102 in participants with elevated cardiovascular risk. This Phase 2 trial will evaluate various dosages to determine the optimal dosing strategy for a subsequent Phase 3 trial.

Doctor Jin Li, Chairman and CEO of HitGen, expressed great enthusiasm regarding this advancement. He stated, "We are incredibly pleased to see BGE-102 reaching this Phase 2 milestone. This achievement not only emphasizes the potential of our DEL platform to generate novel small-molecule candidates against complex targets but also highlights the strength of our collaboration with BioAge. We're excited to continue this partnership and witness the progress of this promising candidate."

Kristen Fortney, Ph.D., CEO and co-founder of BioAge, also emphasized the significance of this phase in their research collaboration. "Reaching Phase 2 is a significant achievement for BGE-102 and our partnership with HitGen. The DEL platform allowed us to discover NLRP3 inhibitors with novel structures, which our medicinal chemistry team has successfully developed into an orally administered molecule. We anticipate continuing our collaboration with HitGen to identify new starting points against various therapeutic targets in our product pipeline."

Future Implications

As a leader in drug discovery, HitGen has established a unique discovery engine that provides therapeutic molecules to the global pharmaceutical industry. By the end of 2025, HitGen had partnered with over 600 clients worldwide, contributing to thousands of innovative drug development projects. With the preliminary data from QUELL-CV expected in the latter half of 2026, both companies remain committed to advancing BGE-102 towards its full potential in treating cardiovascular diseases.

This collaboration marks a crucial step in harnessing the power of science to confront pressing health challenges, particularly as cardiovascular diseases continue to be a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. The results from this trial could pave the way for a new class of therapeutics that target inflammation at its root, offering hope to millions at risk of cardiovascular complications.