RKER-012, a modified ActRIIB-Fc ligand trap with BMP sparing properties, attenuates pathological features of experimental pulmonary arterial hypertension - Takeaways - MDSpire

RKER-012, a modified ActRIIB-Fc ligand trap with BMP sparing properties, attenuates pathological features of experimental pulmonary arterial hypertension

  • By

  • R. Keith Babbs

  • Jeanne Ishimwe

  • Chris Materna

  • ffolliott M. Fisher

  • Tandicka Nurse

  • Cynthia Pinkus

  • Pritesh Jain

  • Kevin Dagbay

  • Rosa Grenha

  • Tyler Daman

  • Claire C. Tseng

  • Emily A. Ledoux

  • Evan Lema

  • Alana Gudelsky

  • Francis Wolenski

  • Harveen D. Natarajan

  • Lorena Lerner

  • Jennifer L. Lachey

  • Jasbir Seehra

  • Sachindra R. Joshi

  • June 24, 2026

  • 0 min

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  • 1

    KER-012/RKER-012 is a modified ActRIIB-Fc ligand trap that preserves BMP function while targeting activin/GDF signaling in pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH).

  • 2

    Unlike sotatercept, KER-012/RKER-012 does not induce erythrocytosis or thrombocytopenia, reducing the risk of hyperviscosity syndrome and bleeding complications.

  • 3

    The study demonstrated that KER-012/RKER-012 can attenuate experimental PAH by addressing dysregulated cell growth, inflammation, and fibrosis.

  • 4

    KER-012 was evaluated in a Phase 1 clinical trial in healthy post-menopausal women to assess its mechanism of action and potential biological effects.

  • 5

    The findings suggest that KER-012/RKER-012 may optimize activin receptor ligand traps for treating PAH while minimizing adverse effects on vascular integrity.

Original Source(s)

RKER-012, a modified ActRIIB-Fc ligand trap with BMP sparing properties, attenuates pathological features of experimental pulmonary arterial hypertension

  • by R. Keith Babbs, Jeanne Ishimwe, Chris Materna, ffolliott M. Fisher, Tandicka Nurse, Cynthia Pinkus, Pritesh Jain, Kevin Dagbay, Rosa Grenha, Tyler Daman, Claire C. Tseng, Emily A. Ledoux, Evan Lema, Alana Gudelsky, Francis Wolenski, Harveen D. Natarajan, Lorena Lerner, Jennifer L. Lachey, Jasbir Seehra, Sachindra R. Joshi

  • June 24, 2026

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