BioAge Labs Doses First Participant in Phase 2 Trial of Cardiovascular Drug Candidate

BioAge Labs has administered the first dose to a participant in the QUELL-CV study, a Phase 2 clinical trial evaluating BGE-102. This oral NLRP3 inhibitor is being developed for cardiovascular risk reduction. The drug candidate was initially identified using HitGen's DNA-encoded library (DEL) technology.

Phase 1 results have indicated BGE-102's potential, showing significant reductions in high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) levels with a well-tolerated, once-daily oral dose. The ongoing QUELL-CV trial is a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study designed to determine the optimal dosage for future Phase 3 trials.

HitGen, listed on the Shanghai Stock Exchange, utilizes its DEL platform to discover novel small molecule drug leads. The company has partnered with numerous pharmaceutical firms globally to advance drug development. BioAge CEO Kristen Fortney highlighted the crucial role of HitGen's technology in the development pathway of BGE-102.

Topline data from the QUELL-CV trial are anticipated in the second half of 2026. Successful results could pave the way for BGE-102's broader application in managing cardiovascular diseases.