Patient-funded Akashi partners DMD compound

Akashi Therapeutics Inc. (Cambridge, Mass.) and Gruenenthal Group (Aachen, Germany) partnered to develop Akashi's HT-100 for Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). The compound, an oral delayed-release formulation of the collagen type I ( COL1) inhibitor halofuginone, is in Phase I/II testing.

HT-100 is expected to treat DMD by reducing fibrosis and inflammation and by promoting healthy muscle fiber regeneration. Last year, Akashi reported that once-daily HT-100 increased mean total muscle strength by 11.7% compared to baseline over 18-22 months in 10 boys and young men with DMD. ...