By Fineline Cube 
China‑based HitGen Inc. (SHA: 688222) announced that its partner, BioAge Labs, Inc. (NASDAQ: BIOA), has begun a Phase I clinical study of BGE‑102, a first‑in‑class oral small‑molecule NLRP3 inhibitor. The lead compound was identified through HitGen’s proprietary DNA‑encoded library (DEL) platform, underscoring the value of high‑throughput screening in modern drug discovery.
What Is BGE‑102 and Why It Matters
- Target: BGE‑102 inhibits the NLRP3 inflammasome, a key driver of chronic inflammation linked to obesity, type‑2 diabetes, and cardiovascular disease.
- Profile: The molecule boasts a novel chemical scaffold, high potency, and excellent brain permeability, positioning it as a promising candidate for central‑obesity therapeutics.
- Clinical Milestone: The Phase I trial will evaluate safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics, and preliminary efficacy in overweight and obese adults.
Partnership Highlights
- Discovery Synergy: In April 2021, the two companies jointly announced the discovery of lead compounds from HitGen’s DEL library, paving the way for BGE‑102’s development.
- Patent Collaboration: A joint patent application covering the DEL‑derived compounds was filed, reinforcing intellectual‑property protection.
- Milestone Payments: While the exact figures remain undisclosed, HitGen is entitled to milestone payments under the collaboration agreement, reflecting the strategic importance of the partnership.
Forward‑Looking Statements
HitGen and BioAge intend to expand the use of HitGen’s DEL platform across additional therapeutic areas. The ongoing Phase I study of BGE‑102 is a critical step toward advancing a novel obesity therapy that could address unmet medical needs in a market projected to grow sharply over the next decade.-Fineline Info & Tech