Selective removal of 7-ketocholesterol by a novel atherosclerosis therapeutic candidate reverts foam cells to a macrophage-like phenotype
Today’s cyclodextrin:
Say hello to Cyclarity Therapeutics‘s UDP-003, a promising new therapeutic that goes beyond managing atherosclerosis — it aims to reverse it by targeting one of its nastiest culprits: 7-ketocholesterol (7KC), a toxic oxidized form of cholesterol. 🧨🧬
Here’s what the science says:
🧼 UDP-003 selectively removes 7KC, a molecule notorious for turning immune cells into dysfunctional foam cells — the building blocks of atherosclerotic plaque
🔄 By clearing out 7KC, foam cells regain their phagocytic power and reduce harmful features like oxidative stress and lipid accumulation
🧲 The treatment downregulates CD47, a “don’t eat me” signal, and restores efferocytosis, helping clean up dead cells in plaques
🚽 7KC is not just neutralized — it’s flushed out via urine, suggesting effective systemic detox
✅ Preclinical safety looks good, and a Phase 1 clinical trial is already underway!
💡 Bottom line: By targeting the molecular root — not just the symptoms — of atherosclerosis, UDP-003 could become the first truly disease-modifying therapy for this global cardiovascular killer 🛡️❤️
