Through previous studies, organ fibrosis has been related to the presence of stellate cells, and the ND-L02-s0201 siRNA drug will suppress the expression of HSP47 genes highly expressed in activated stellate cells, thus cutting fibrosis. Nitto Denko plans to submit a clinical trial for early 2017. The company also develops ND-L02-s0201 which targets liver cirrhosis. ND-L02-s0201 is a siRNA also inhibiting the expression of HSP47 gene, but embedded in a vitamin A presentation type liposomal formulation. After vitamin A is bound to retinol binding protein (RBP), which is coupled to the RBP receptor on stellate cells which are activated in cirrhosis, it incorporates into star-cell specific, suppressing the expression of chaperone proteins required for the synthesis of collagen. HSP47 thus inhibits the synthesis and secretion of collagen.

Nitto Denko news release, July 11, 2016