The NLRP3 inflammasome, linked to age-related inflammation and involved in metabolic, neurodegenerative, and cardiovascular diseases, underpins BGE-102's focus on obesity, which is associated with aging.

Developed through HitGen's DNA-encoded library screening platform, BGE-102 has shown high potency, brain penetration, and structural novelty, with preclinical evidence indicating its effectiveness in reducing weight in obesity models.

BioAge Labs has launched a Phase 1 clinical trial for BGE-102, an orally available NLRP3 inhibitor capable of crossing the blood-brain barrier, targeting age-related conditions.

HitGen will receive a milestone payment upon the trial's initiation, continuing a partnership that began in April 2021 with compound discovery and includes joint research and patent filings for novel inhibitors.

The Phase 1 trial will evaluate both single and multiple ascending doses, with initial results expected by the end of the year, marking a significant milestone in the collaboration between BioAge and HitGen.

Beyond BGE-102, BioAge is developing other therapies, including long-acting injectable and oral APJ agonists aimed at obesity, leveraging its platform based on human longevity data.