The QUELL-CV study is testing a once-daily oral NLRP3 inhibitor in patients at elevated cardiovascular risk, with topline data expected in the second half of 2026.
HitGen said partner BioAge Labs has dosed the first participant in QUELL-CV, a Phase 2 proof-of-concept trial of BGE-102, an orally available, brain-penetrant small molecule NLRP3 inhibitor being developed for cardiovascular risk reduction. The candidate originated from a hit compound identified through HitGen’s DEL (DNA-Encoded Library, a drug discovery screening method) technology platform. BioAge said earlier Phase 1 results positioned BGE-102 as a potential best-in-class NLRP3 inhibitor after showing profound hsCRP reductions on a well-tolerated once-daily oral dose. The randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, dose-ranging Phase 2 trial is evaluating participants at elevated cardiovascular risk and is intended to guide Phase 3 dose selection and the program’s path forward in cardiovascular disease. Topline data are anticipated in the second half of 2026.