Matrix Metalloproteinase Inhibitor R&D for IBD

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are a group of proteases that took centre stage in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). MMPs primarily contribute to matrix turnover and cell migration via their abilities to degrade the extracellular matrix and numerous bioactive proteins. MMP-8 has been shown to inactivate the important mucosal reparative protein transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β) by activating its pro-form. MMPs are directly involved in epithelial barrier function, have an impact in shaping inflammatory responses, and both promote and interfere with angiogenesis, contribute to fibrosis, and facilitate wound healing; hence, they are among the potential biomarkers of disease activity in IBD. Inhibition of MMPs may be a novel target in the treatment of inflammatory responses.

Fig. 1. Recently described signalling pathways in the gut leading to the upregulation of MMPs in IBD or models of colitis. (O'Sullivan, et al., 2015)

Our Matrix Metalloproteinase Inhibitor R&D Services

Ace Therapeutics is committed to helping pharmaceutical companies advance MMP inhibitors into use for the treatment of IBD. Our founders have decades of experience with biological, biochemical and pathological mechanisms of MMPs as well as TIMPs, both of which have a critical role in intestinal barrier breakdown and repair in IBD.

We will guide you through the discovery and development of your MMP inhibitor, all the way from in-vitro studies to animal models .

Analysis of the Role of MMPs in IBD

We focus on MMPs role in IBD and disclose to clients their function in intestinal inflammation, immune response and angiogenesis. Based on in vivo/in vitro cell and animal models, we report different data on the biological/pathological function of MMPs in IBD, including the promising therapeutic targets.

Development of MMPs as Biomarkers for IBD

The identification of the MMP-3, MMP-8, MMP-9 and TIMP-1 markers that can be detected in stool, serum and urine will enable us to generate multiplex novel biomarkers of disease activity and severity for our clients, helping them to develop diagnostic technologies of IBD.

Preclinical Evaluation of MMPs Inhibitors in IBD

We also collaborate with our clients to identify, develop and optimize MMP inhibitors by conducting preclinical in vivo studies including strictly controlled animal studies to identify the specific time and place windows for MMP inhibition and to evaluate the therapeutic efficacy and safety of animal models of IBD. Our preclinical services include broad spectrum of multiple animal models of IBD to ensure the therapeutic efficacy and safety.

• Clinical disease activity index (weight loss, fecal consistency, and fecal blood).
• We assess the effect of MMP inhibitors on the extent of epithelial damage.
• Intestinal tissue samples are collected for sectioning. Through HE staining to observe inflammatory cell infiltration and intestinal epithelial damage.
• We detect the expression levels of key inflammatory factors and MMPs.
• We perform toxicological evaluation to test the safety of MMPs inhibitors.

Ace Therapeutics can provide complete support and guidance in the development of MMP inhibitors for the treatment of IBD to help accelerate candidates in the drug-development process. Please contact us for more information.