About ALS-886

We are developing ALS-886, a novel treatment intended to reduce and prevent the tissue damage associated with diseases such as Adult Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS). ARDS is a serious medical condition often caused by the inflammation and tissue damage associated with excess free radicals in the lungs. There are approximately 200,000 cases of ARDS in the United States annually and the mortality rate is approximately 50%. Currently, there are no treatments for ARDS that have been shown to be effective.

ALS-886 is a small molecule therapeutic that, in preclinical studies, has demonstrated efficacy in both scavenging existing free radicals and sequestering free iron. The goal of treatment with ALS-886 for ARDS will be to reduce the tissue damage brought about by the free radicals in the lungs. Previous animal toxicology studies have demonstrated the safety and benign side effect profile of ALS-886. This could prove beneficial in the use of the compound in the critical care setting. In addition, the mild safety profile shown in animal studies supports the possibility that ALS-886 could be used as a prophylactic. That is, it could be administered to individuals who are at high risk of developing ARDS, such as patients suffering from sepsis or severe trauma, in order to prevent the underlying condition from leading to ARDS.

ALS-886 may also have applicability for other conditions in which free radicals cause tissue damage, such as ischemic stroke and myocardial infarction. An open IND is in place to start Phase I clinical trials.