Celtaxsys acquired CTX-4430 (formerly EP-501), a clinical-stage candidate that inhibits the pro-inflammatory enzyme leukotriene A4 hydrolase (LTA4H), from Estrellita Pharmaceuticals. In preclinical studies, CTX-4430 has demonstrated the ability to safely and effectively reduce the progression of chronic inflammation in several animal models, according to Celtaxsys.
LTA4H is a key enzyme in the production of the major pro-inflammatory mediator leukotriene B4 (LTB4). LTA4H and receptors to LTB4 are known to be elevated in a number of human lung diseases, Celtaxsys notes. Additionally, elevated levels of LTA4H recently have been located at active demyelinating lesions in the brains of patients with multiple sclerosis.
"The acquisition of CTX-4430 and the entire LTA4H project gives us several unique opportunities to introduce superior products to fulfill unmet medical needs," says Michael R. Hanley, CEO of Celtaxsys. "The addition of the LTA4H project to our development portfolio fits perfectly with our core business of modulating innate immunity to treat chronic inflammatory disorders, especially in our major areas of interest, cystic fibrosis and multiple sclerosis."