SAT-3153 for DMD is Targeted for Further Development

Satellos Bioscience eyes SAT-3153 as a muscle regeneration treatment

by Teresa Carvalho, MS | January 5, 2023

A researcher does lab work with vials stacked in front of her.

Satellos Bioscience has designated SAT-3153 as a potential muscle regeneration treatment for Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD).

The therapeutic candidate now will be tested in pre-investigational new drug (pre-IND) enabling studies intended to provide evidence to obtain regulatory approval for conducting a clinical trial.

“We are thrilled to be in a position to move SAT-3153 as a novel drug development candidate (“DC”) into pre-IND enabling studies in accordance with our previously announced timelines,” Frank Gleeson, president and CEO of Satellos, said in a press release.

Genetics, Motor Milestones May Help Distinguish DMD From BMD

DMD is characterized by progressive muscle wasting and weakness. According to previous studies, this occurs when the process through which muscle stem cells divide and create progenitor cells that regenerate muscle is impaired. This results in accumulating muscle damage.

SAT-3153 is a small molecule designed to inhibit a kinase protein that controls the formation of muscle progenitor cells. By enhancing muscle regeneration, the treatment is expected to increase muscle mass and function, according to the company.

“Collectively, we at Satellos believe passionately that a small molecule drug with the potential to regenerate functional muscle will have many advantages and benefits for patients living with Duchenne and other muscular dystrophies. We are thoroughly committed to bringing our new treatment to them as soon as possible,” Gleeson added.

This decision comes on the heels of Satellos’ recent announcement that the company was focused on advancing new treatment candidates in preclinical studies to assess their absorption, distribution, metabolism and excretion (ADME), pharmacokinetics (PK), and in vivo (in living animals) efficacy. Pharmacokinetics refers to a compound’s movement into, through and out of the body.

“SAT-3153 is one of the numerous compounds generated by Satellos scientists that we evaluated and prioritized pursuant to our press release announcement on November 3^rd. Results from these preclinical ADME, PK and in vivo studies have given us confidence to designate and advance SAT-3153 into pre-IND development studies as a [drug development candidate] intended for the treatment of Duchenne muscular dystrophy and potentially other dystrophic conditions,” said Phil Lambert, PhD, chief technology officer at Satellos.

“With this milestone, we have already begun to schedule and lock-in slots with key IND-enabling service providers towards completing our 2023 objectives,” Lambert added.

In 2021, Parent Project Muscular Dystrophy invested $1 million to help Satellos develop a new treatment approach for people with Duchenne MD.

Print This Page

About the Author

Teresa Carvalho, MS Teresa holds her Master of Science in cell and molecular biology from Coimbra University, Portugal. She was a researcher and science communicator for several years at the Institute for Research and Innovation in Health in Oporto, Portugal. From 2013, she has held a fellowship working with Pulmonary Hypertension Europe as a patient advocate, social media/website manager, public relations officer, and translator. Her work has been focused on providing patients access to treatments, raising awareness for pulmonary hypertension, and promoting patient empowerment.