Scientists at the University of Bristol have uncovered a new disease driving mechanism which they are aiming to target to help treat the development of atherosclerotic plaques.
Image credit: University of Bristol
The project to develop the new therapeutic, known as IMSET, is being led by Jason Johnson, Professor of Cardiovascular Pathology within the Bristol Medical School: Translational Health Sciences (THS).
Following successful initial testing, Professor Johnson and his team have been awarded substantial funding through the beLAB1407 BRIDGE partnership to continue developing the new therapeutic.
Professor Johnson has been studying the condition known as Atherosclerosis, where the build-up of fatty deposits (atherosclerotic plaques) in arteries can lead to heart attacks, strokes, and peripheral arterial disease.
Investigating how immune cells in the blood known as monocytes/macrophages contribute to the formation of these fatty plaques within arteries, the researchers have discovered that these cells can exist in different forms and there are particular macrophages which drive the development of the plaques.
Professor Johnson explained: “Looking within these bad macrophages, we’ve identified a certain genetic target we have termed IMSET– which is a central regulator of their behaviour.
“This unique award will allow us to develop a therapeutic to target this novel non-coding RNA, and validate its use in patients with heart disease.
“Together with beLAB1407, we aim to develop a new treatment regime that could play a significant role in reducing one of the key factors in cardiovascular diseases.”
The new treatment is anticipated to be able to help patients who are present at the hospital having survived a heart attack or stroke. This patient population is at an increased risk of a further heart attack or stroke, and a drug targeting IMSET could help prevent recurrent cardiovascular diseases that underlie the majority of associated deaths in the UK and globally.
Current treatment for patients who are already on optimal medical therapy such as statins involves interventional and invasive treatment, for example the placement of a stent or bypass surgery.
beLAB1407, one of Evotec’s global portfolio of BRIDGE partnerships, was launched in 2021 by Evotec and collaborating partners to identify and advance novel and breakthrough drug discovery opportunities across multiple therapeutic areas. The University of Bristol joined beLAB1407 in November 2023.
Under the partnership, the University of Bristol benefits from access to funding, expertise, and drug discovery and development platforms spanning multiple disease areas.
