GRI Bio’s GRI-0621 shows efficacy in published pulmonary fibrosis study

GRI Bio announced the publication of positive preclinical data demonstrating its lead program GRI-0621 reduces the inflammatory and fibrotic drivers in Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis – IPF -. The manuscript has been published in the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine. Compared to controls, mice treated with GRI-0621 showed reduced fibrosis and immunopathology. Inhibition of iNKT activity led to a decrease in fibrosis score and total lung inflammation. GRI-0621 treated mice had reduced numbers of neutrophils and lymphocytes. Levels of the pro-fibrotic factor TGF-beta were significantly decreased in GRI-0621-treated group in comparison to the untreated group. Similarly, VCAM-1 levels were also decreased in GRI-0621-treated group. IPF is a rare chronic progressive pulmonary disease with abnormal scarring of the lung blocking the movement of oxygen into the bloodstream. Currently available treatments for IPF are limited with only two approved drugs that come with significant side-effects, limited compliance and no impact on survival. GRI Bio is currently advancing its lead program GRI-0621 in a Phase 2a study for the treatment of IPF. Interim data from the Phase 2a biomarker study is expected in 3Q24 and topline results are expected in 4Q24.