An ActRIIA fusion protein got FDA approved for PAH treatment

Mar 28 2024Reviewed by Maria Osipova

On March 26th, the US FDA granted approval for Merck’s WINREVAIR™ (sotatercept-csrk), marking a significant milestone in pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) treatment. PAH, characterized by elevated blood pressure in the arteries connecting the heart and lungs, poses a grave risk of heart failure. While pulmonary vasodilators have improved patient prognosis, the challenge of disease progression persists, underscoring the importance of innovative treatments like Sotatercept.

• Sotatercept’s Mechanism of Action

Sotatercept introduces a novel paradigm in PAH therapy. It functions as a fusion protein, incorporating the binding site of ACVR2A, thereby disrupting downstream signaling pathways, particularly the SMAD pathway. By sequestering activin, a member of the TGF-β superfamily, Sotatercept reinstates the equilibrium between growth-promoting and growth-inhibiting pathways within the pulmonary arteries.

• ACVR2A: Implications Across Disease Spectrum

Beyond its role in PAH, ACVR2A emerges as a pivotal player in the pathogenesis of various ailments. This broad implication positions ACVR2A targeting as a promising strategy in arresting disease progression. Alongside Sotatercept, two other pharmaceutical pipelines are on the cusp of market approval, while six companies are advancing drugs targeting ACVR2A in preclinical phases, addressing conditions ranging from cancer to myelofibrosis.

• Sino Biological’s offering to support PAH Research

The pursuit of PAH therapeutics primarily revolves around targeting an array of molecular pathways, including ACVRs, BRD4, NF-kB, Nrf2, NFE2L1/Nrf1, mTOR, ASK-1, mineralocorticoid receptor, estrogen receptor, CD20, calcineurin, IL-6R, leukotriene A4 hydrolase, tryptophan hydrolase, and endothelial progenitor cells. Sino Biological plays a pivotal role in this endeavor by supplying recombinant proteins, antibodies, cytokines, and growth factors, catering to diverse research needs across various stages of PAH drug development.

As a leading provider of comprehensive solutions and innovative tools used to advance life science and improve human health, Sino Biological is proud to offer premium products to support researchers in their quest to unlock novel treatments and improve patient outcomes.