HEPAREGENIX

HepaRegeniX is developing drugs for treating acute and chronic liver diseases that effectively restore the regenerative capacity of hepatocytes. The therapeutic concept is founded on research by Professor Lars Zender’s group at the University Hospital Tübingen, which identified mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase kinase 4 (MKK4) as a key regulator of liver regeneration. Work by Professor Zender’s team showed that using small RNA molecules to suppress MKK4 gene expression restored the regenerative capacity of hepatocytes, even in severely diseased livers. Founded in 2015, HepaRegeniX is developing small-molecule MKK4 inhibitors to treat liver disorders, potentially including nonalcoholic steatohepatitis.