BioAge Labs begins Phase 2 study of drug targeting cardiovascular risk
BioAge Labs has initiated a Phase 2 clinical trial with BGE-102, a drug candidate targeting the NLRP3 protein to reduce cardiovascular disease risk. The first dose has been administered to a participant.
BioAge Labs has begun Phase 2 clinical trials for its drug candidate, BGE-102, aimed at reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease. The company administered the first dose to a participant in its QUELL-CV study, a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled Phase 2 study evaluating the efficacy and safety of BGE-102 in individuals at high cardiovascular risk.
BGE-102 is a small-molecule, orally administered NLRP3 inhibitor identified by HitGen Inc. using its DEL technology platform. NLRP3 is a protein implicated in inflammation and related diseases, including cardiovascular conditions. In Phase 1 studies, BGE-102 demonstrated significant reductions in hsCRP (high-sensitivity C-reactive protein) levels, an indicator of inflammation.
The QUELL-CV study aims to determine the optimal dosage for Phase 3 trials and validate the drug's efficacy. Initial results from this study are anticipated in the second half of 2026. BioAge believes BGE-102 has the potential to become a leading NLRP3 inhibitor and a significant advancement in current treatment options.
HitGen, previously highlighting its DEL technology's capability for identifying and developing promising compounds, plays a key role in the global drug discovery supply chain. Its collaboration with BioAge for BGE-102 underscores the DEL platform's strength in identifying and advancing novel, complex drug candidates.
BioAge expects to have preliminary results from the QUELL-CV study by fall 2026. These findings will guide the company's decisions on the further development of BGE-102 for broader market applications in cardiovascular disease prevention and treatment.