LPA1R Antagonist
Diabetic Kidney Disease [Chronic Kidney Disease],
Other Indications Non-Alcoholic Steatohepatitis NASH(new MASH), Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis
Renal fibrosis is a typical result of almost every type of chronic kidney disease (CKD), which is responsible for significant mortality rates. This disease places a huge burden on our healthcare system, as CKD patients currently account for over a quarter of Medicare spending (costs around $25 billion to Medicare yearly), which is expected to increase further. Approximately 34 million patients are diagnosed and treated for DKD in the US and Europe. It is estimated that DKD prevalence will increase by 50% by 2035.
Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is a severe type of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). NAFLD is the most common liver disease and is associated with obesity and type-2 diabetes. There are no effective treatments available for NASH.
Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a type of lung disease that results in scarring (fibrosis) of the lungs for an unknown reason. Over time, the scarring gets worse, making it hard to take a deep breath and preventing the lungs from taking in enough oxygen.
Epigen Biosciences is developing a small-molecule selective LPA1 antagonist that may potentially treat diabetic kidney disease, NASH/MASH, and IPF.
Sigma1R ligand
Alzheimer's Disease,
Other Indications include ALS, Fragile X Syndrome
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a condition that affects cognitive function and leads to memory loss. As the global population ages, the number of people diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease is increasing. However, there are few effective drugs available to slow down the progression of this disease for this population.
Epigen Biosciences is developing small-molecule selective sigma-1 receptor (S1R) ligands that may have the potential to treat Alzheimer's disease. These S1R ligands play a crucial role in the mechanisms associated with neurodegeneration in AD. Specifically, these endoplasmic reticulum protein S1R ligands have been found to significantly improve cognitive functions, enhance cell survival, and facilitate the release of neuroprotectants.
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is another type of neurodegenerative disorder that leads to progressive muscle atrophy and paralysis due to the death of both upper and lower motor neurons. The current standards of care for ALS only slow down the progression of the disease rather than addressing its underlying causes. The literature shows that S1R ligands protect motor neurons and provide potential therapeutic opportunities. Epigen is studying its selective S1R ligands for ALS.
p70 S6 Kinase Inhibitor
Fragile X Syndrome
Fragile X syndrome (FXS) is the most common inheritable form of cognitive impairment and the leading known genetic cause of autism. FXS is caused by the loss of expression of the fragile X mental retardation protein (FMRP). A significant challenge for FXS research is to develop treatment strategies that improve the intellectual capabilities of patients. Dysregulated protein synthesis is widely accepted as a core molecular abnormality associated with FXS. Because neuronal protein synthesis is critical for learning and memory, altered synaptic translation is considered a significant contributor to the intellectual deficits seen in FXS. Available pharmacological intervention strategies for FXS primarily treat behavioral problems and have mainly focused on targets upstream of translational control to normalize FXS-related phenotypes. We have identified a specific target that is a common downstream effector of both mTORC1 and ERK signaling and plays a direct role in regulating translation. Genetic deletion of the target in an animal model of FXS corrected exaggerated protein synthesis and other biochemical, neuroanatomical, and behavioral abnormalities associated with FXS. These results suggest a strategy for developing a disease-modifying therapeutic for FXS. We have discovered a novel series of potent inhibitors by using a rational design approach that combines structural protein information and optimal ADME properties. Epigen has developed specific and drug-like small molecule inhibitors to this target. We have teamed up with Dr. Alysson Muotri's laboratories at UCSD to propose a novel discovery paradigm for effective drug candidate compounds for FXS by using newly developed cerebral organoids, or "mini-brains," to model the disease in 3D in the laboratory.
PAM-II
Stroke, TBI
Stroke is a significant cause of death and disability in the United States, but substantial investments in developing anti-stroke medicine have struggled to produce clinically efficacious therapies. Our optimism for PAM-II-based therapies in stroke stems from the potent therapeutic effects of a7 nAChR activation associated with ubiquitous a7 nAChR expression in neuronal and immune tissues. PAM-IIs augment multiple endogenous anti-stroke therapeutic pathways complimentary to reperfusion and, thus, beyond classical neuroprotection. This concept is novel and substantively different from strategies used in the past. Furthermore, the anticipated clinical utility of PAMIIs is likely to extend beyond stroke to certain neurodegenerative and psychiatric disorders linked to cognitive decline and attention deficits (e.g., dementias, schizophrenia) because these conditions are associated with decreased cholinergic tone and a decrease, but not disappearance, of functional a7 nAChRs. Thus, PAMIIs are expected to improve cognitive function and attention by increasing cholinergic tone via potentiating a7 activity. In this regard, PAMII-based treatments are expected to benefit stroke patients via multiple mechanisms and routes of action.
About Us
Epigen is discovering novel therapies for unmet medical needs
Epigen Biosciences is a pharmaceutical company that is discovering innovative, proprietary drugs to address unmet medical needs. Embracing a profoundly collaborative and translational approach, the company seamlessly facilitates the transition of breakthroughs from laboratory settings to clinical applications. We work through dynamic collaborations with academic groups, each contributing unique expertise. Epigen combines comprehensive strategic project management, medicinal chemistry, and drug development expertise.
With a cumulative experience of over 50 years in successful drug discovery and development, the company's founders proudly showcase a track record of advancing compounds from initial conception to eventual clinical registration. Our core value proposition is bridging the divide between lead identification and clinical proof-of-concept. We aspire to achieve an accelerated turnaround time of 2-5 years for each asset, encompassing the journey from Intellectual Property (IP) acquisition to enabling Investigational New Drug (IND) status and the commencement of clinical trials.
Epigen employs advanced hit-to-lead and lead optimization techniques. These encompass computational design, scaffold-hopping, focused library synthesis, and screening. We harness cutting-edge in silico drug discovery tools, intricately coupled with meticulous property assessment for Absorption, Distribution, Metabolism, and Excretion (ADME). These methodologies and processes meticulously scrutinize vital parameters such as physicochemical attributes, solubility, metabolic stability, CYP450 inhibition, hERG liability, oral bioavailability, central nervous system (CNS) permeation, toxicology, and in vivo effectiveness. Our firmly established network of resources empowers us to unearth promising assets and propel them to the IND stage and into clinical trials.
Chief Business Officer
Chief Scientific Officer
Chief Operating Officer
Open Positions
We’re hiring, please apply at info@epigenbiosciences.com
Research Scientist - Chemistry
The position offers significant growth opportunities in terms of contributing to the development of science and individual growth
Requires a Ph.D. in synthetic organic chemistry or related field, 1+ years industry/postdoctoral experience
May supervise junior level chemist
Experience with modern synthetic organic chemistry, purification, and analysis is required
Experience with using ChemDraw/Reaxys/SciFinder
Performance of routine synthesis of heterocyclic compounds in milligram to multi-gram scale to support lead identification and optimization and record-keeping
Performance of purification of synthesized compounds using prep-TLC, silica gel/C18 column chromatography
Performance of and analyzing compounds using NMR spectra and LCMS
Performance of Microsoft Office tools such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook
Good communication and presentation skills to effectively work with cross-functional groups with diverse background and interests
Strong attention to detail, excellent written and oral communication skills
Ability to work with a team of individuals to meet goals
Must be physically capable of lifting 50 pounds
Senior Research Associate/Research Associate - Chemistry
The position offers significant growth opportunities in terms of contributing to the development of science and individual growth
Requires an MS/BS in synthetic organic chemistry or related field, 1+ years industry experience
Experience with modern synthetic organic chemistry, purification, and analysis is required
Experience with using ChemDraw/Reaxys/SciFinder
Performance of routine synthesis of heterocyclic compounds in milligram to multi-gram scale to support lead identification and optimization and record-keeping
Performance of purification of synthesized compounds using prep-TLC, silica gel/C18 column chromatography
Performance of and analyzing compounds using NMR spectra and LCMS
Performance of Microsoft Office tools such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook
Good communication and presentation skills to effectively work with cross-functional groups with diverse background and interests
Strong attention to detail, excellent written and oral communication skills
Ability to work with a team of individuals to meet goals
Must be physically capable of lifting 50 pounds
Research Scientist - Biology
Position offers significant growth opportunities in terms of contributing to the development of science and individual growth.
Requires a PhD in biology or related field, 1+ years industry/postdoctoral experience.
May supervise junior level biologist
Experience with cell culture and cell-based in vitro assays is required
Experience with the development and optimization of in vitro biological assays is required
Performance of routine assays to support lead identification and optimization
Performance of molecular biology techniques, such as Western blotting and transient transfection
Performance of data analysis, reporting and record keeping
Performance of Microsoft Office tools such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook
Good communication and presentation skills to effectively work with cross-functional groups with diverse background and interests
Strong attention to detail, excellent written and oral communication skills
Ability to work with a team of individuals to meet goals
Must be physically capable of lifting 50 pounds
Senior Research Associate/Research Associate - Biology
Position offers significant growth opportunities in terms of contributing to the development of science and individual growth
Requires an MS/BS in biology or related field, 1+ years industry experience
Experience with cell culture and cell-based in vitro assays is required
Experience with the development and optimization of in vitro biological assays is required
Performance of routine assays to support lead identification and optimization
Performance of molecular biology techniques, such as Western blotting and transient transfection
Performance of data analysis, reporting and record keeping
Performance of Microsoft Office tools such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook
Good communication and presentation skills to effectively work with cross-functional groups with diverse background and interests
Strong attention to detail, excellent written and oral communication skills
Ability to work with a team of individuals to meet goals
Must be physically capable of lifting 50 pounds
Contact Us
Interested in partnering or learning more? Simply reach out today at BD@epigenbiosciences.com
6725 Mesa Ridge Rd, Suite 260
San Diego, CA 92121, USA