Halofuginone target ID

A U.S. and South Korean research team has identified the molecular target of halofuginone, a small molecule antifibrotic and anti-inflammatory compound.¹ The findings could help guide the design of next-generation halofuginone analogs with improved pharmacological profiles and may help determine the specific indications most amenable to treatment with the analogs.

Halofuginone is a halogenated derivative of the plant alkaloid febrifugine, which is found in hydrangea roots. In preclinical animal models, halofuginone prevents fibrosis by decreasing fibroblast-mediated production of extracellular matrix proteins such as collagen and lowers inflammation by blocking the differentiation of autoimmune-mediating T helper type 17 (Th17) cells...