Overview
- The candidate, RAGE406R, prevents DIAPH1 from binding to the RAGE receptor, interrupting an intracellular signaling cascade linked to chronic inflammation.
- In human cell assays from people with type 1 diabetes, the compound lowered the proinflammatory chemokine CCL2.
- In diabetic mouse models, topical treatment accelerated wound closure and reduced organ injury associated with heart and kidney damage.
- Researchers refined RAGE406R after an earlier lead failed a genotoxicity test, removing the structural motif that raised DNA safety concerns.
- The study appears as a Cell Chemical Biology cover article, with authors disclosing related patents and stating plans to advance toward clinical testing.