Cadrenal Therapeutics (NASDAQ: CVKD) has announced the acquisition of VLX-1005—a first-in-class, Phase 2 12-LOX inhibitor—along with additional 12-lipoxygenase (12-LOX) assets from closely held Veralox Therapeutics, for the treatment of heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT).
According to Cadrenal, the acquisition immediately strengthens its pipeline with a late-stage, first-in-class drug candidate targeting a critical immune signaling pathway. The company states that this acquisition addresses yet another underserved therapeutic opportunity in the $40 billion global anticoagulation market.
In a statement, Matthew Boxer, co-founder of Veralox, commented, “We are pleased the advancement of VLX-1005 for the treatment of HIT will continue under the leadership of Cadrenal. The program has found a home in Cadrenal, where it aligns with a shared vision and excitement regarding the promise 12-LOX technology may offer patients.”
Quang X. Pham, Chairman and CEO of Cadrenal, added, “With the acquisition of VLX-1005, Cadrenal continues to advance novel therapeutics to treat or prevent thrombosis in high-risk patients. HIT remains a dangerous condition without a therapy that addresses its immune-driven biology. The emerging data from VLX-1005 suggest meaningful potential to improve patient outcomes while maintaining favorable tolerability. We believe this is a compelling strategic addition to our pipeline, with the market size for HIT reaching $1 billion in the US and EU.”
