GRI Bio presents data on approach of NKT Cell Modulators at AFDD Summit

GRI Bio announced the presentation of data supporting its novel approach to inflammatory diseases at the 7th Annual Antifibrotic Drug Development, AFDD, Summit held October 24-26, 2023 in Boston, MA. As part of the AFDD Summit, Vipin Kumar, PhD, Chief Scientific Officer of GRI Bio gave an oral presentation titled, “Exploration of NKT Cell Activation as an Immune Biomarker for Progression of Fibrosis.” “We continue to be encouraged by the data being generated by GRI-0621 and the translational work we are doing with our collaborators that demonstrate a significant increase in iNKT cell numbers in IPF patients and their correlation with biomarkers of fibrosis and disease,” commented Dr. Kumar. “Looking ahead, we are making progress toward launching our Phase 2a biomarker study for GRI-0621 before year end.” Key Highlights: GRI-0621 has demonstrated itself as a potent inhibitor of iNKT cell activity. iNKT cells have an activated phenotype in NASH & IPF patients. Enhanced iNKT activity correlates with progression of fibrosis in NASH patients and with macrophage accumulation and key proinflammatory genes in BAL from IPF patients. iNKT cells are activated and accumulate in liver and lung in experimental fibrosis models. iNKT promotes Type 1, Type 2 and Type 3 immune pathways involved in fibrosis. iNKT-deficient mice have reduced inflammatory damage and fibrosis. Daily oral administration of GRI-0621 in experimental animals: Inhibits pro-inflammatory cytokines and inflammation; Decreases accumulation of neutrophils and proinflammatory macrophages; Inhibits key fibrogenic cytokines including TGF-b and fibrosis.Phase 2 study with GRI-0621 in IPF patients to examine iNKT activity along with key biomarkers.