Huons Unveils Promising Preclinical Results for Crohn's Disease Fibrosis Drug Candidate
A new therapeutic approach has emerged that aims to address intestinal fibrosis, a major complication affecting approximately half of patients with Crohn's disease. Unlike existing treatments that primarily focus on controlling inflammation, the approach seeks to directly inhibit fibrotic lesions th
Intestinal fibrosis, a severe complication of Crohn's disease, affects roughly half of patients. Traditional treatments primarily target inflammation, but a new drug candidate may address the root cause. Huons revealed promising preclinical results for its selective TG2 inhibitor, HUC1A-626, at UEG Week 2026 in Barcelona. HUC1A-626 is an oral medication currently in development for fibrostenotic Crohn's disease.
Crohn's disease is chronic inflammation of the digestive tract, which can lead to excessive accumulation of extracellular matrix proteins, causing intestinal walls to thicken and narrow. Existing biologics effectively reduce inflammation but struggle to reverse established fibrotic tissue. Huons identified transglutaminase 2 (TG2) as a crucial therapeutic target, as this enzyme abnormally cross-links ECM proteins, stiffening tissue and perpetuating a vicious cycle of fibrosis.
HUC1A-626 is designed to act locally in the intestinal tract, selectively inhibiting TG2 activity and disrupting this process. Experiments on human colonic tissue fibroblasts showed antifibrotic effects through multiple pathways by inhibiting TG2. Animal studies also demonstrated significant improvements in fibrotic lesions and collagen levels.
Huons plans to fast-track HUC1A-626 development as a first-in-class treatment, distinct from current anti-inflammatory therapies. However, clinical trials are needed to confirm its efficacy and safety in patients.
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