Advancing Precision Medicine in Cardiology
At Thryv Therapeutics, we are leading a precision medicine approach to treat Long QT Syndrome (LQTS), heart failure, and atrial fibrillation. Our work is centered on developing novel, potent, and highly selective inhibitors of Serum Glucocorticoid-Inducible Kinase 1 (SGK1). By targeting SGK1, we aim to deliver innovative, disease-modifying therapies for patients with limited or no targeted treatment options.
Addressing the Unmet Medical Need in Long QT Syndrome (LQTS)
Long QT Syndrome (LQTS) is a life-threatening genetic arrhythmia condition that increases the risk of sudden cardiac events such as syncope, seizures, and even sudden death. Current treatment strategies — including beta-blockers, implantable devices, and lifestyle changes — provide partial protection and are not suitable for all patients. There are currently no regulatory-approved therapies specifically for LQTS. Our investigative SGK1 inhibitors are being developed to meet this urgent, unmet need with a novel, precision-based therapeutic approach.
Our Progress
Our lead investigational SGK1 inhibitors are progressing through clinical development, guided by scientific innovation, patient need, and the principles of precision medicine. Parallel research efforts continue in our laboratories to identify next-generation SGK1 inhibitors that address additional cardiac conditions.
Our Progress: Congenital Long QT Syndrome & Acquired (Drug-Induced) Long QT
Pre-Clinical Highlights:
In vitro evidence of QT-shortening: Our investigational SGK1 inhibitors reduced APD90 (Action Potential Duration at 90% repolarization, a surrogate for QT interval) in cardiomyocytes derived from patient iPSCs across all major LQTS subtypes: Type 1, 2, and 3.
Repeated positive effects in models of acquired (drug-induced) long QT.
Clinical Highlights:
Preclinical studies completed
Phase 1 clinical study completed
Wave Clinical Studies:
Wave I, Part 1: Our investigational SGK1 inhibitor, LQT-1213, demonstrated rapid reductions in QTcF in healthy volunteers with dofetilide-induced QT prolongation.
Wave I, Part 2: LQT-1213 demonstrated statistically significant and clinically meaningful reductions in QTcF in patients with congenital Long QT Syndrome Types 2 and 3. Supports a pivotal study expected to initiate in 2026.
myQTwave Study:
myQTwave is a non-interventional, observational study focused on better understanding the symptoms, experiences, and daily challenges of individuals living with Long QT Syndrome.
The study will initially focus on Long QT Syndrome Types 2 and 3, with planned initiation in 2025.
Disclaimer: Our investigational compounds are currently under development and have not been approved for use by any regulatory authority.
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Long QT Syndrome (LQTS) is a rare genetic condition that causes an elongation between the Q and T waves during a heartbeat. The lengthening of the interval can lead to unexpected and life-threatening arrhythmias called torsades de pointes. These arrhythmias are generally in response to exercise and stress.
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A prolonged QT interval can occur in response to acute or chronic use of certain prescription medications. This is known as Acquired or Drug-Induced Long QT. These medications are prescribed when their benefits outweigh the risks of QT prolongation, especially when limited treatment options are available. The risk of QT prolongation with certain medications increases with underlying risk factors, including congenital Long QT Syndrome and/or abnormalities in bodily electrolytes (such as low potassium or low magnesium). These situations must be carefully assessed and managed by a healthcare provider.
Our Progress: Heart Failure & Atrial Fibrillation
Pre-Clinical Highlights:
Heart Failure: Our investigational SGK1 inhibitors demonstrated therapeutic and protective effects in models of both HFpEF and HFrEF.
Data presented at the 2024 American Heart Association (AHA) Scientific Sessions.
Atrial Fibrillation: Our lead investigational SGK1 inhibitor, THRV-1268, demonstrated preventive effects in a high-fat diet-induced atrial fibrillation model.
Data presented at the 2023 American Heart Association (AHA) Scientific Sessions.
Clinical Highlights:
Phase 1 clinical study completed
Phase 2 proof-of-concept studies for heart failure and obesity-related paroxysmal atrial fibrillation are expected to begin in 2026.
Disclaimer: Our investigational compounds are currently under development and have not been approved for use by any regulatory authority.
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Heart failure is a chronic condition in which the heart's ability to pump blood effectively is impaired, either due to reduced systolic, pumping function (HF with reduced ejection fraction; HFrEF) or with normal systolic function but impaired diastolic filling between beats (HF with preserved ejection fraction; HFpEF). This diminished cardiac performance leads to inadequate blood flow to meet the body's needs, causing symptoms such as fatigue, shortness of breath, reduced ability to exercise, and fluid retention. The most common risks associated with the development of heart failure include coronary artery disease, heart attack (myocardial infarction), high blood pressure, obesity, smoking, excessive alcohol, physical inactivity, family history and genetic disorders.
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Atrial fibrillation is a type of arrhythmia (irregular heart rhythm) which may present as a rapid, slow, or abnormal heart rate. These arrhythmias reduce the ability of the heart to efficiently to pump blood and may lead to blood clots localized in the heart which can dislodge and increase the risk of stroke, heart failure and other heart-related complications.
SGK1 Inhibition
Why Inhibit SGK1?
Serum and Glucocorticoid Kinase 1 (SGK1) is a signaling hub in many cellular pathways that are activated by a variety of cellular stressors. Evolved to help cells cope with momentary adverse conditions, SGK1 is chronically activated in various disease states and contributes to their progression. SGK1 has been implicated in various cardiovascular conditions, including QT prolongation, heart failure, and atrial fibrillation.
SGK1 & Long QT Syndrome (LQTS)
SGK1 has been shown to modulate cardiac ion channel function and surface expression in the heart. When activated, SGK1 acts on cardiac ion channels, and can result in adverse prolongation of the QT interval, a condition known as Long QT Syndrome (LQTS). SGK1 is involved in both congenital LQTS (caused by genetic mutations) and acquired (drug-induced) Long QT, both of which can lead to the development of lethal heart arrhythmias.
In LQTS, SGK1 inhibition addresses the underlying ion channel pathology responsible for abnormal electrical signaling. Unlike drugs that directly block ion channels and do not address the underlying pathology or involvement of multiple ion channels, SGK1 inhibition may address the underlying pathology due to electrical and structural remodeling of cardiomyocytes.
SGK1 & Heart Failure and Atriall Fibrillation
In cardiometabolic diseases, SGK1 plays a critical role in driving pathological processes, including, inflammation, structural remodeling, electrical remodeling and fibrosis, which can play a significant role in the development of heart failure and atrial fibrillation. Targeting SGK1 has the potential to comprehensively address these interconnected pathways that drive disease progression.
