Targeting MMP-12 to treat diseases that have no good answers
Primevera Therapeutics is advancing a focused portfolio of MMP-12 inhibitors across pulmonary, cardiac, gastrointestinal, and neurologic indications, with programs spanning clinical and preclinical development.
MMP-12 Inhibitors for Inflammatory and Fibrotic Diseases
Primevera Therapeutics is a clinical-stage biotechnology company developing selective MMP-12 inhibitors to treat diseases driven by chronic inflammation, tissue remodeling, and fibrosis, including sarcoidosis, asthma, COPD, inflammatory bowel disease, interstitial lung diseases, and neurologic disorders.
Understanding the MMP-12 Opportunity
What Is MMP-12?
Matrix metalloproteinase-12 (MMP-12) is a macrophage-derived enzyme that contributes to:
- chronic inflammatory signaling
- extracellular matrix degradation
- progressive tissue damage and fibrosis
Elevated MMP-12 activity has been implicated in pulmonary, cardiac, gastrointestinal, and neurologic diseases, making it a validated therapeutic target.
How MMP-12 Inhibitors Work
Selective MMP-12 inhibitors are designed to:
- reduce macrophage-driven inflammation
- limit extracellular matrix breakdown
- slow disease-associated tissue remodeling
Unlike earlier non-selective metalloproteinase inhibitors, selective MMP-12 inhibition aims to preserve safety while addressing upstream disease biology.
Why Target MMP-12?
MMP-12 is associated with:
- macrophage activation
- chronic inflammatory cascades
- extracellular matrix degradation
- fibrosis and loss of organ function
Targeting MMP-12 offers a mechanism-based approach to treating inflammatory and fibrotic diseases rather than symptom management alone.
Therapeutic Compounds in Development
| Compound | Indications | Description |
|---|---|---|
|
Linvemastat
FP-020
|
Linvemastat (FP-020) is a selective MMP-12 inhibitor targeting inflammatory pathways common to asthma, COPD, and inflammatory bowel disease, conditions characterized by macrophage-mediated tissue injury. |
|
|
Aderamastat
FP-025
|
Aderamastat (FP-025) is a clinically advanced MMP-12 inhibitor being developed for sarcoidosis, including cardiac sarcoidosis, where chronic inflammation and fibrosis contribute to organ dysfunction. |
|
|
Next-Gen MMP-12
Inhibitors
|
A new series of MMP-12 inhibitors is in preclinical development for interstitial lung diseases and neurologic disorders, where inflammation-driven tissue remodeling contributes to progressive disease. |
Frequently asked questions
What does Primevera Therapeutics do?
What is MMP-12, and why does it matter?
Matrix metalloproteinase-12, or MMP-12, is an enzyme produced by macrophages and other cells. It can break down proteins that support tissue structure and influence inflammatory responses. Research has linked MMP-12 activity to processes involved in chronic inflammation and tissue damage.
How are MMP-12 inhibitors designed to work?
MMP-12 inhibitors are designed to block the enzyme’s activity. The goal is to interrupt processes that contribute to inflammation and harmful changes in tissue structure. Preclinical research supports this approach, while clinical studies are needed to establish its benefits and risks in patients.
What does “selective” MMP-12 inhibition mean?
Selectivity describes a compound’s ability to inhibit MMP-12 more strongly than related enzymes. This focused approach aims to limit unintended effects on other metalloproteinases. Selectivity is an important design feature, but safety and tolerability must still be evaluated in clinical trials.
Which diseases is Primevera targeting?
Our pipeline includes research in asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), cardiac sarcoidosis, pulmonary hypertension associated with interstitial lung disease (PH-ILD), other interstitial lung diseases, and neurologic disorders. Development stages vary by compound and indication.
What compounds are in Primevera’s pipeline?
Our portfolio includes linvemastat (FP-020), aderamastat (FP-025), and next-generation MMP-12 inhibitors. These candidates span clinical and preclinical development, with different disease areas and research priorities. Visit our pipeline section to learn more.
Have these compounds been studied in people?
Yes. Linvemastat has completed a Phase I study evaluating safety, tolerability, and pharmacokinetics in healthy volunteers. Aderamastat has been evaluated in a Phase IIa proof-of-concept study in allergic asthma. These studies provide a foundation for further development; they do not establish effectiveness across all proposed indications.
Are Primevera’s drug candidates approved treatments?
Our drug candidates are investigational and remain in development. Their safety and effectiveness for the intended uses must be established through research and regulatory review.
How can I discuss a partnership or request more information?
We welcome inquiries from research collaborators, potential partners, and investors. Use our website’s contact form or email info@primevera.com to connect with our team.
Let's connect
We welcome inquiries from investors, research partners, and collaborators interested in our MMP-12 platform.