Mitotech Ltd., a clinical-stage biotechnology company focused on developing mitochondria-based therapies, today announced the presentation of compelling new animal efficacy data on its investigational compound, SkQ1, a mitochondria-targeted ferroptosis inhibitor, for the treatment of Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatohepatitis (MASH) at The 75th Liver Meeting® in San Diego, CA. The conference, taking place from November 15-18, 2024, is a premier gathering for the latest scientific advancements in liver research and treatment.
SkQ1, which targets mitochondrial dysfunction and ferroptosis, a regulated form of cell death associated with oxidative stress, has shown promising preclinical results in animal models of MASH, a complex liver condition often associated with metabolic syndrome and obesity. The new data presented at The Liver Meeting® highlights the potential of SkQ1 to mitigate liver damage by reducing ferroptosis and enhancing lipid disposal, two key mechanisms implicated in the progression of MASH to more severe liver diseases like cirrhosis.
“We are excited to share these encouraging preclinical results for SkQ1 at the 75th Liver Meeting,” said Natalia Perekhvatova, CEO of Mitotech Ltd. “The data demonstrate the ability of SkQ1 to significantly reduce liver damage in animal models of MASH by targeting ferroptosis and mitochondrial dysfunction. These findings represent an important step forward in our development of SkQ1 as a potential therapeutic for patients suffering from metabolic liver diseases.”
Mitotech’s team presented detailed results from two different models of MASH. The results in obesity-driven DIO mouse model highlighted that SkQ1 treatment led to significant improvements in liver triglyceride levels (p<0.001 vs. vehicle), plasma cholesterol levels (p<0.001) and liver histology, including significant improvements in steatosis (p<0.001). The composite overall NAFLD score (p<0.001) was also reduced. In a separate experiment, lean STAM mouse model demonstrated significant decrease in steatosis, ballooning, composite NAFLD score and fibrosis (p<0.05 for all). Oxidative stress biomarkers were also significantly reduced. These findings suggest that SkQ1 could potentially address both the metabolic and oxidative stress components of the disease, offering a new avenue for treatment.
The company plans to build on this promising data by advancing SkQ1 through further preclinical testing and initiating clinical studies aimed at evaluating its safety and efficacy in human patients.
For more information about Mitotech Ltd. and SkQ1, please visit www.mitotechpharma.com or contact:
Anton Petrov
About Mitotech Ltd
Mitotech Ltd. is a clinical-stage biotechnology company dedicated to developing mitochondria-targeted therapies for the treatment of complex, chronic diseases. With a focus on mitochondrial dysfunction, lipid metabolism, oxidative stress, and cell survival mechanisms, Mitotech is advancing a pipeline of novel drug candidates aimed at improving patient outcomes in diseases such as obesity, cardiovascular and autoimmune disorders, and neurodegenerative diseases.
About The Liver Meeting®
The Liver Meeting® is the premier annual event organized by the American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases (AASLD), bringing together thousands of researchers, clinicians, and industry professionals to discuss the latest advances in liver disease research, treatment, and clinical practice.