Resomelagon shows reduced inflammation and joint damage in osteoarthritis model
SynAct Pharma AB (publ) (”SynAct”) (Nasdaq Stockholm: SYNACT), a clinical-stage biotechnological company focused on treating inflammation through resolution therapy, today announced that early preclinical results show resomelagon (AP1189) attenuates osteoarthritis associated inflammation and joint damage, thereby reducing pain through activation of pro-resolving signaling pathways. Data was presented at a scientific session with Resovir collaboration partner Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais in Brazil.
Osteoarthritis (OA) is a highly prevalent joint disorder affecting 595 million people globally1 characterized by chronic pain and functional impairment. Increasing evidence indicates that sustained low‑grade inflammation contributes to disease progression and structural joint damage.
“These data support a role for resomelagon in regulating early inflammatory processes in experimental osteoarthritis. Targeting pro‑resolving pathways via melanocortin receptor activation may represent a novel therapeutic strategy for modifying OA progression and associated pain,” said Mauro Teixeira, MD, PhD, Professor of Immunology, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (UFMG), Brazil.
The group led by Flávio Almeida Amaral, Department of Biochemistry and Immunology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Minas Gerais, set up an experimental model of induced osteoarthritis in mice (destabilization of the medial meniscus, DMM) and evaluated effects on joint damage, pain, and inflammation. Preliminary findings indicate that resomelagon modulates early inflammatory responses following DMM surgery. Treatment was associated with altered mononuclear cell dynamics, regulation of melanocortin receptor expression, and reduced histopathological joint damage, suggesting an impact on disease progression.
“These preclinical findings support exploring OA as a potential new indication for resomelagon within our pro-resolution platform, and we look forward to following the continued research from our partners in Brazil,” said Thomas Jonassen, Chief Scientific Officer, SynAct Pharma.
Further data to be presented at the WCI2026 (17th World Congress of Inflammation) to be held in Foz do Iguaçu, Brazil, September 8-12, 2026.
Reference: 1) Lancet Rheumatol 2023; 5: e508–22
For further information, please contact:
Jeppe Øvlesen
CEO, SynAct Pharma AB
Phone: + 45 2844 7567
E-mail: investor.relations@synactpharma.com
About SynAct Pharma AB
SynAct Pharma AB (Nasdaq Stockholm: SYNACT) is a clinical stage biotechnology company focused on the resolution of inflammation through the selective activation of the melanocortin system. The company has a broad portfolio of oral and injectable selective melanocortin agonists aimed at inducing anti-inflammatory and inflammation resolution activity to help patients achieve immune balance and overcome their inflammation. For further information: https://synactpharma.com/.