Pipeline
MW-301: NLRP3 inhibitor for treating obesity-driven metabolic and renal inflammation
MW-301 is a highly potent, selective, and orally bioavailable small-molecule inhibitor of the NLRP3 inflammasome. NLRP3 plays a central role in the innate immune response, mediating activation of caspase-1 and subsequent release of pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-1β and IL-18. Chronic NLRP3 activation contributes to metabolic inflammation, insulin resistance, hepatic steatosis, and other obesity-associated pathologies.
Mechanistic Rationale
NLRP3 inhibition blocks inflammasome assembly and activation, preventing caspase-1–mediated IL-1β and IL-18 release. This results in reduced adipose tissue inflammation, improved insulin sensitivity, and decreased hepatic fat accumulation — ultimately improving glucose tolerance and metabolic health.
Therapeutic Potential
MW-301 represents a promising next-generation NLRP3 inhibitor with robust potency, oral bioavailability, and an excellent safety and pharmacokinetic profile. By targeting NLRP3-driven metabolic inflammation, MW-301 has the potential to deliver therapeutic benefit in obesity and obesity-associated chronic kidney disease (CKD), improving insulin sensitivity, metabolic balance, and renal outcomes in patients with inflammation-driven metabolic dysfunction.
MW-313: Systemic NLRP3 inhibitor for chronic kidney disease (CKD)
MW-313 is a potent, selective, and systemically available oral NLRP3 inhibitor developed for the treatment of chronic kidney disease (CKD) and related renal inflammatory disorders. NLRP3 inflammasome activation plays a key role in mediating renal inflammation and damage, contributing to the progression of glomerulonephritis and CKD through increased cytokine production and tissue injury.
Mechanistic Rationale
NLRP3 inhibition suppresses inflammasome activation, preventing caspase-1–mediated release of IL-1β and IL-18, which are major drivers of renal inflammation and fibrosis. By reducing inflammatory and fibrotic signaling, MW-313 aims to preserve kidney structure and function and slow disease progression in CKD patients.
Therapeutic Potential
MW-313 represents a next-generation NLRP3 inhibitor designed for systemic delivery with the potential to address chronic renal inflammation and metabolic dysfunction associated with CKD. Its strong potency, oral bioavailability, and promising preclinical efficacy profile support further development as a novel therapeutic option for inflammatory kidney diseases.
MW-401: Best-in-class selective GPR75 antagonist for obesity and metabolic disorders
MW-401 is a highly potent and selective oral antagonist of GPR75, a G-protein-coupled receptor genetically linked to body weight regulation and metabolic health. Human genomic data show that individuals with lower GPR75 expression have significantly lower BMI and improved metabolic profiles, making GPR75 a validated target for obesity and related disorders.
Mechanistic Rationale
GPR75 is primarily expressed in the brain, including the hypothalamus, where it regulates energy expenditure and food intake through signaling pathways parallel to the leptin–melanocortin axis. Antagonizing GPR75 is expected to enhance energy expenditure and metabolic efficiency without directly suppressing appetite or muscle mass, offering a differentiated approach to weight management.
Therapeutic Potential
MW-401 represents a best-in-class GPR75 antagonist with strong translational potential for the treatment of obesity and associated metabolic disorders. Its differentiated mechanism — promoting metabolic rebalancing without appetite suppression — positions MW-401 as a promising candidate for long-term obesity therapy, either as monotherapy or in combination with other metabolic agents such as GLP-1 receptor agonists.
