Lisata Therapeutics Inc (NASDAQ:LSTA) has entered a research agreement with the University of Cincinnati to study the use of its cyclic peptide, certepetide, combined with the VEGF inhibitor bevacizumab, for treating endometriosis in a preclinical animal model.
Under the new partnership, the University of Cincinnati will lead the research, with Lisata providing funding and its novel therapy, certepetide. The goal is to determine whether combining certepetide with bevacizumab can offer a more targeted and effective treatment for endometriosis while minimizing side effects.
Bevacizumab has previously shown effectiveness in treating endometriosis, a condition where uterine tissue grows outside the uterus, causing severe pain and reproductive health issues. However, the drug's high dosage requirements have been linked to systemic side effects, limiting its use in young, otherwise healthy women.
“Given the selective targeting of endometrial tissue by certepetide due to its interaction with the surface integrin and neuropilin-1 receptors, we believe the combination of certepetide and bevacizumab could potentially offer an effective and targeted treatment for endometriosis,” said Kristen Buck, Lisata's executive vice president of research and development in a statement.
Katherine Burns, Associate Professor at the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, echoed this enthusiasm. "By combining our expertise and resources, we aim to uncover insights that could change the treatment and management of endometriosis," she said.
Endometriosis affects an estimated 6.5 million women in the US alone, often leading to pain, infertility, and other health complications. Current treatment options are limited, and researchers are seeking innovative solutions to improve patient outcomes.