Platform Technology. We are committed to leading the development of first-in-class, highly-selective, and potent small molecule inhibitors of nicotinamide N-methyltransferase (NNMT), a cytosolic enzyme highly expressed in select tissue (e.g., adipocytes, hepatocytes, muscle), where it plays a critical role in regulating energy metabolism (NAD+ salvage cycle) and epigenetic (methionine cycle) pathways.

​Substantial evidence supports enhanced NNMT expression and activity linking to a number of chronic diseases; high NNMT expression and activity in the white adipose tissue as observed in obesity, strongly triggers adiposity-induced insulin resistance and related metabolic syndrome (type 2 diabetes). Similarly, several skeletal muscle disorders including muscular dystrophies (e.g., Duchene Muscular Dystrophy) and age-related muscle degeneration (e.g., sarcopenia) are characterized by a surge in NNMT expression and subsequently reduced cellular NAD+ levels.

We have developed a series of selective small molecule NNMT in­hibitors with attractive drug-like properties, and accelerating our efforts to transition our novel lead drug candidates through preclinical development and to Phase I trials.


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Competitive Advantage in the Crowded Type 2 Diabetes Market. It is increasingly clear that excess white adipose tissue, in particular belly fat, is a principal driver for most Type 2 diabetes. Unfortunately, no diabetes drug directly targets white adipose tissue to restore insulin sensitivity and reverse Type 2 diabetes.  Instead, current diabetes drugs treat disease symptoms, including hyperglycemia, inadequate insulin secretion, excessive hepatic glucose production, and diminished peripheral glucose uptake by insulin sensitive tissues. Our leading-edge technology addresses this significant defect in the diabetes drug landscape by directly reducing adipocyte cell size and white adipose tissue mass, thereby reducing the dysfunctional state driving insulin resistance and Type 2 diabetes.


Novel Treatment for Muscle Weakness in Aging Adults. After about 35 years of age, muscle strength declines with age, typically at a rate of 1-1.5% per year for men and 0.5-2% per year for women. A number of studies show that decreased muscle strength correlates with decreased mobility, increased mortality, and increased morbidity. Each year, 18-25% of elderly suffer a fall, with 5% of all elderly falling multiple times. Moreover, 25% of all falls result in hospitalization (3 M cases in US at a cost of $30B). Additionally, many falls result in hip fractures (worldwide incidence ~550 per 100,000 elderly). Post-hip fracture mortality rates are ~ 30% @ 1 yr and  49% @ 3 yrs, with only 10% patients continuing independent living after a hip fracture. We are advancing to clinical trails a first-in-human oral drug that rejuvenates aged muscle stem cells, thereby increasing muscle repair, strength, and function in the elderly.