Novartis (NYSE:NVS) has received FDA fast track designation for LNA043, a potential treatment for osteoarthritis of the knee.

LNA043 is a modified version of the human angiopoietin-like 3 (ANGPTL3). The drug would be a potential first-in-class disease-modifying osteoarthritis therapy.

Osteoarthritis is a common joint disorder. In 2017, more than 300 million people internationally had either hip or knee osteoarthritis, according to an article in the Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases.  

At present, drugs play a supporting role in treating osteoarthritis. Patients primarily use them to reduce pain and swelling.

Several organizations, including Merck (NYSE:MRK), Novartis and a number of smaller companies, have launched clinical trials to test various investigational disease-modifying therapies for the condition.

LNA043 is an angiopoietin-like 3 (ANGPTL3) agonist targeting damaged cartilage. In a proof-of-concept study, the drug regenerated damaged cartilage when injected into the knee joint.

The Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research discovered the drug LNA043.

The company has also completed a Phase 1 trial for M6495, an investigational osteoarthritis treatment. M6495 is an ADAMTS-5 (ADAM metallopeptidase with thrombospondin type 1 motif 5) inhibitor.

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Filed Under: clinical trials, Drug Discovery
Tagged With: fast track designation, FDA, LNA043, Novartis
 

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