Therapeutics: Yes-associated protein 1 (YAP1; YAP); glutaminase (GLS)
Rat studies suggest inhibiting YAP or GLS could help treat pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). In a rat model of PAH, Visudyne verteporfin, a YAP inhibitor, decreased pulmonary vascular proliferation and remodeling, right ventricular systolic pressure, right ventricular remodeling and pulmonary arterial stiffness compared with vehicle. Also in the model, the GLS inhibitor CB-839 or GLS inhibitor tool compound decreased proliferation of pulmonary arteriolar cells, pulmonary remodeling and right ventricular remodeling. Next steps could include testing these agents in other models of PAH.
Valeant Pharmaceuticals International Inc. and Novartis AG market Visudyne, a light-activated benzoporphyrin derivative used in photodynamic therapy (PDT), to treat choroidal neovascularization (CNV)...