INVA8001, a novel and highly selective chymase inhibitor, ameliorates liver inflammation, fibrosis, and hyperplasia in Mdr2 knockout mice - Report - MDSpire

INVA8001, a novel and highly selective chymase inhibitor, ameliorates liver inflammation, fibrosis, and hyperplasia in Mdr2 knockout mice

  • By

  • Sameer Sharma

  • Lixian Chen

  • Tianhao Zhou

  • Meenakshi Chawla

  • Anita Ganjoo

  • Shunichiro Okada

  • Salvatore Alesci

  • Krishnan Nandabalan

  • Heather Francis

  • June 9, 2026

  • 0 min

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Clinical Report: INVA8001 Reduces Liver Inflammation and Fibrosis in Mdr2 Mice

Overview

The chymase inhibitor INVA8001 significantly reduced liver inflammation, fibrosis, and hyperplasia in Mdr2 knockout mouse models of primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC).

Background

Primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) is a chronic cholestatic liver disease with no FDA-approved treatments, leading to high morbidity and mortality. Mast cells (MCs) and their mediators, such as chymase, have been implicated in the pathogenesis of PSC, making them potential therapeutic targets. Understanding the role of chymase in PSC could pave the way for new treatment options.

Data Highlights

ParameterEffect of INVA8001
Chymase ActivityReduced
Mast Cell AccumulationDecreased
InflammationReduced
Histological DamageDecreased
FibrosisReduced
Biliary SenescenceDecreased

Key Findings

  • INVA8001 treatment reduced chymase activity in Mdr2−/− mice.
  • Chymase-positive cell numbers were increased in liver biopsies from PSC patients compared to controls.
  • INVA8001 was associated with decreased mast cell accumulation and inflammation.
  • The treatment led to reduced histological damage and fibrosis in the liver.
  • INVA8001 also decreased biliary senescence in the Mdr2−/− mouse model.

Clinical Implications

Further research is needed to explore the therapeutic potential of INVA8001 in clinical settings.

Conclusion

Chymase inhibition with INVA8001 shows effects in reducing key pathological features of PSC in a mouse model.

Related Resources & Content

  1. Invea Therapeutics, INVA8001 Publication, 2023 -- Inflammatory Therapies
  2. Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis: Diagnosis, Management, and Clinical Challenges | MDPI, 2026
  3. Archives of Toxicology — Creation of chimeric mice with humanized livers treated with human growth hormone for assessing drug-induced fatty liver disease models
  4. Journal of Gastroenterology — Inhibition of C5aR1 Reduces Liver Inflammation and Fibrosis in a NASH Mouse Model Through Modulation of TLR4 Pathway and Macrophage Polarization
  5. Basic Research in Cardiology — Inhibition of SYK for Atheroprotection is Ineffective in Advanced Disease Due to Dominance of Local Macrophage Proliferation in Lesion Development
  6. Journal of Gastroenterology — Bifidobacterium bifidum CIP-01 Reduces Liver Disease Linked to Metabolic Dysfunction Induced by High-Alcohol-Producing Klebsiella pneumoniae
  7. Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis: Diagnosis, Management, and Clinical Challenges | MDPI
  8. Phase II INTEGRIS-PSC trial of bexotegrast, an αvβ6/αvβ1 integrin inhibitor, in primary sclerosing cholangitis
  9. Drug Slows Progression of Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis
  10. INVA8001 Publication – Invea Therapeutics – Inflammatory Therapies

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