Silo Pharma, Inc. has announced its plans to initiate a pilot study of its novel joint homing peptides targeting rheumatoid arthritis (RA), designated as SPU-21, in human synovial tissue surrounding joints and tendons. Conducted in partnership with REPROCELL, this three-month study will assess the binding affinity of the peptide in healthy human and RA synovial tissue. Initial data from the study is expected during the first quarter of 2023.
“SPU-21 was shown to inhibit arthritic progression in a preclinical animal model, so we are proceeding to advance our research into human synovial tissue, where we will first assess binding affinity,” said Eric Weisblum, Chief Executive Officer of Silo Pharma. “Positive data from this important study could support further research into the interaction of our joint homing peptide as a potential therapy for autoimmune disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis and inflammation. We look forward to progressing our development of SPU-21 through our valued collaboration with the University of Maryland, Baltimore,” he continued.
"Binding affinity assays estimate the affinity of a test compound across a wide range of GPCRs, ion channels, and other potential sites of drug action," said Chief Executive Officer of REPROCELL Europe, Dr David Bunton. "They are often a starting point in determining which human tissue assays are required for further investigation," he continued.
Under a commercial evaluation license and option agreement with the University of Maryland, Baltimore (UMB), Silo Pharma is advancing the development of UMB’s liposomal homing peptide to deliver targeted therapeutics that could include psilocybin. The proven ability of the peptide to target inflamed epithelium suggests they could be used to target drug delivery. This approach could enhance the therapeutic effect of current and future therapies and decrease potential systemic toxicity despite systemic administration of the drug. The peptides also have the potential for developing fusion imaging molecules and/or nanoparticles to study arthritic pathogenesis, could be customizable for potential use in delivering nanoparticles for precise imaging, and can be used to treat autoimmune diseases, including but not limited to RA.
In addition to SPU-21, Silo Pharma holds a license agreement with UMB for a central nervous system (CNS) homing peptide for the investigation and treatment of multiple sclerosis and other rare neurological diseases designated as SPU-16.
About Silo Pharma: Silo Pharma. Inc. is a development-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on merging traditional therapeutics with psychedelic research for people suffering from indications such as PTSD, Alzheimer’s disease, and other rare neurological disorders. Silo’s mission is to identify assets to license and fund the research which we believe will be transformative to the well-being of patients and the healthcare industry. For more information, visit www.silopharma.com
References
1 Precedence Research; Rheumatoid Arthritis Drugs Market, Report 2022-2030. June 2022.
