Halia Therapeutics:
Leading the Fight Against Chronic Inflammation
Targeting chronic inflammation to treat neurodegeneration and inflammatory diseases by inhibiting the activity of the NLRP3 inflammasome
Chronic inflammation is destructive and causes various health complications. At Halia Therapeutics, our primary focus is combating this widespread inflammation, which is the underlying cause of many diseases. Millions of people worldwide suffer from the consequences of chronic inflammation every day, experiencing pain and severe health issues. The need for an effective solution is more critical than ever.
Imagine waking up every day with pain, fatigue, and uncertainty due to chronic inflammation. Consider how it diminishes patients’ quality of life and impacts their families. Enter HT-6184, our revolutionary allosteric inhibitor designed to target and disrupt the NEK7-NLRP3 interaction, a critical factor in the inflammation process.
HT-6184 is more than just an allosteric inhibitor; it represents hope. It offers the potential for pain-free days and a life liberated from the burdens of chronic inflammation.
Halia Therapeutics is bridging the gap between cancer research and clinical compounds
NLRP3 Inflammasome and Cancer
The NLRP3 (NOD-, LRR- and pyrin domain-containing 3) inflammasome is a multi-protein complex that plays a central role in the innate immune system. 1 It acts as a sensor for various pathogenic and damage-associated molecular patterns, initiating a cascade of immune responses essential for defending against infections and cellular damage. 2 At its core, the NLRP3 inflammasome regulates the maturation and secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines, including interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and interleukin-18 (IL-18), crucial for initiating an immune response. Proper functioning of the NLRP3 inflammasome is vital for timely detection and response to pathological events, maintaining a balanced immune environment. 3
Furthermore, the NLRP3 inflammasome is relevant to cancer biology as it interacts with various aspects of cancer progression. Chronic inflammation, recognized as a significant factor in cancer development and progression, is closely associated with activating the NLRP3 inflammasome4. It creates an inflammatory microenvironment that promotes tumor growth and metastasis, significantly influencing cancer progression and the tumor microenvironment through its complex interplay with various aspects of the immune response. 5 The inflammasome’s ability to produce pro-inflammatory cytokines such as IL-1β and IL-18 can promote tumorigenesis.
In addition, the NLRP3 inflammasome can trigger pyroptosis, a form of inflammatory cell death that can have both tumor-promoting and tumor-suppressing effects, depending on the context. 6 This dual role highlights the inflammasome’s importance as a potential therapeutic target in cancer treatment.
Targeting the NLRP3 inflammasome for cancer therapy has garnered considerable attention recently. Modulating its activity holds promise for developing novel therapeutic strategies against cancer. By manipulating the function of the inflammasome, it may be possible to enhance anti-tumor immunity or reduce pro-tumor inflammation, opening up new avenues for cancer treatment. 7 Ongoing research aims to fully understand the intricate interactions between the NLRP3 inflammasome and cancer and explore its therapeutic potential as a target in this complex molecular machinery. 8
Our commitment to fighting chronic inflammation is professional and personal at Halia Therapeutics. Our extensive clinical trials and research demonstrate our dedication.
With HT-6184, the possibilities are vast. From addressing specific diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s Disease to various forms of cancer, our clinical-stage compound offers hope for various inflammation-related conditions.
Our journey does not end with HT-6184. Halia Therapeutics envisions a world where chronic inflammation is eradicated and everyone can access practical, targeted treatments.
Come collaborate with us!
Contact James Dye at jdye@haliatx.com for more information.
Sources:
1. Huijeong, A., Eunsong, L. & Geun-Shik, Lee. “The R. of N. I. in T. I. Frontiers in BioscienceLandmark 28 no. (2023).
2. Seth, L. Masters. “Homeostasis-altering molecular processes as mechanisms of inflammasome activation Nature Reviews Immunology 17 no. (2017).
3. Missiroli, S. M. P. C. B. C. B. A. C. F. M. G. A. et al. “Targeting the N. inflammasome as a new therapeutic option for overcoming cancer Cancers 13 no. (2021).
4. Negin, P., Afsane, B., Stephen, L. A. & Amirhossein, Sahebkar. “Role of the N. inflammasome in cancer Molecular cancer 17 no. (2018).
5. Sara, S. et al. NLRP3 inflammasomemediated cytokine production and pyroptosis cell death in breast cancer. (2021).
6. Bhesh, R. & Thirumala-Devi, Kanneganti. “NLRP3 inflammasome in cancer and metabolic diseases Nature immunology 22 no. (2021).
7. Zhibin, Z. Cancerassociated pyroptosis A new license to kill tumor. (2023).
8. Joao, G. M. & Stephen, E. Girardin. “Unleashing the therapeutic potential of N. receptors Nature reviews Drug discovery 8 no. (2009).