A hibernating species of North American squirrel might provide vital insights for tackling one of the most persistent and lethal heart diseases globally.
California’s biotechnology firm fauna ecology has created a novel drug based on the genetic insights of hibernating mammals.
The small molecule drug, referred to as Faun 1083, targets heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF)—a form of heart failure impacting millions and lacking effective treatments.
Fauna’s strategy draws inspiration from the natural world, as noted by CEO Dr. Ashley Zehnder: “We’re investigating where biological evidence exists for disease resistance or recovery,” as mentioned in BBC Science Focus.
“Years of physiological research indicate that ground squirrels can safeguard their hearts from harm during hibernation. Additionally, heart failure ranks as one of the top causes of death worldwide.”
By examining how the adorable American line squirrel protects its organs while hibernating, Dr. Fauna discovered a gene that aids the animal in averting tissue damage and scarring—critical factors in heart failure among humans.
“What is elevated in the ground squirrel’s system, which shields the heart from harm, may be diminished in humans suffering from heart failure,” Zehnder explains. “This informs our focus on the pathways that are crucial for human health issues.”
Fauna’s AI-enhanced discovery platform analyzes these protective traits across animal genomes and human genetic data to identify potential drug targets.
According to Zehnder, the resultant compound Faun 1083 stems directly from research into the cardiac biology of ground squirrels. The new treatment has already shown potential during preclinical trials and is set to undergo animal safety assessments prior to commencing human trials next year.
Fauna Bio’s research is part of a burgeoning field known as ‘comparative genomics,’ which seeks evolutionary insights to enhance human health.
The company is part of the Zoonomia Consortium, which unveils adaptations that enable animals to resist disease and recover from tissue damage.
“Our goal is to leverage evolutionary adaptations,” Zehnder asserts. “Humans rarely cure diseases naturally, but many mammals worldwide do so regularly… Why not utilize the full spectrum of nature’s experiments?”
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Source: www.sciencefocus.com
