Benzinga | Jan 26, 2022 11:21AM EST

Hepion's Rencofilstat Combo Shows Anti-Tumor Activity In Nonclinical Liver Cancer Study

Hepion Pharmaceuticals Inc (NASDAQ:HEPA) has announced the results of a nonclinical research study showing rencofilstat (CRV431) decreased liver tumor growth and extended mouse survival when combined with an anti-PD1 antibody.

* The effects were observed in fatty livers, suggesting that rencofilstat may increase the treatment potential of anti-PD1 treatment in human liver cancer.

* Drug treatments began on Day 14 after HCC cell implantation when tumors were approximately 15% of their final, end-of-study size.

* Neither rencofilstat nor anti-PD1 administered alone altered the size of tumors at Day 28, nor the survival of the mice compared to vehicle treatment.

* Related: Hepion's CRV431 Shows Encouraging Safety Profile In Drug-Drug Interaction Study.

* In contrast, the combination treatment of rencofilstat plus anti-PD1 decreased tumor size by 69% at Day 28 and increased median mouse survival time by 26%, compared to vehicle treatment.

* HCC model decreased tumor growth by 76% when tumorigenic cells were implanted into non-fatty livers but were not effective as monotherapies in fatty livers in the current study.

* Price Action: HEPA shares are up 0.18% at $1.00 during the market session on the last check Wednesday.