Serpin Pharma completes Phase 1b/2a SPIRIT Clinical Trial

Serpin Pharma, a clinical-stage biotech company developing first in class drugs to treat human diseases caused by inflammation, reported data from its Phase 1b/2a clinical trial. The results, published in the Journal of Cardiovascular Pharmacology, report the effects of a single subcutaneous administration of SERPIN drug (SP16), a synthetic, selective LRP1 agonist, in ten patients with ST-segment elevation Myocardial Infarction (STEMI). The clinical trial appraised the safety and tolerability of SP16, as well as explored its effects on the acute inflammatory response, infarct size, and cardiac function.

The single-center, single-arm, open-label study was led by Dr. Antonio Abbate and Dr. Benjamin Van Tassell at Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond, Virginia. Patients with STEMI were enrolled within twelve hours of symptom onset and six hours of percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Serial clinical biomarkers and echocardiography data were collected up to 12 months. All ten patients with STEMI received subcutaneous administration of SP16 without any treatment-related serious adverse events. A trend toward reduction in the inflammatory response and infarct size was noted. According to Dr. Abbate and Dr. Van Tassell, “SP16’s modulation of the inflammatory response is a promising therapeutic strategy in AMI.”

A recently published editorial in the Journal of Cardiovascular Pharmacology echoes the enthusiasm for SP16 as a potential paradigm shift in acute coronary syndromes.

“We are very encouraged by these data results, which provide additional validation of SP16 therapeutic potential through its unique mechanism of action,” remarked Dr. Cohava Gelber, CEO and Executive Chairperson of Serpin Pharma. “This data clearly demonstrates the safety and tolerability of SP16 and its promise in treating inflammatory diseases. Our mission is to deliver this treatment to patients and this data brings us an important step closer.”

ISOThrive Final Phase 2 Results for MHS-1031 Announced at ACG 2026 Demonstrate Statistically Significant and Clinically Meaningful Improvement in Heartburn Frequency and Severity in NERD PPI-Partial Responders

ISOThrive Inc. announced final results from its Phase 2 trial of MHS-1031 in patients with non-erosive reflux disease (NERD) who experience an incomplete response to proton pump inhibitors (PPIs). Peter Swann, MD, Chief Medical Officer of ISOThrive, and David Johnson, MD MACG FASGE VGSF MACP, Professor of Medicine and Chief of Gastroenterology at Eastern Va …

10/13/2026

Virginia Western and Radford University sign 3 new agreements to create seamless transfer for medical laboratory science degree

Virginia Western Community College and Radford University celebrated a strengthened partnership on Monday, Oct. 12, that will enable seamless transfer for students in three health-related programs. Virginia Western President Laura J. Treanor and Radford President Bret Danilowicz signed the articulation agreements in a ceremony on the Virginia Western campus. Virginia Western students who meet all requirements and complete …

10/07/2026

Roanoke Lands $1 Million Federal Grant to Equip RoVa Labs Biotech Incubator

The Roanoke City Council has accepted a $1 million U.S. Small Business Administration grant to purchase advanced laboratory equipment for RoVa Labs, a biotechnology startup incubator that combines biomedical research facilities with business development support. Since opening in May 2026, RoVa Labs has grown to house nine research tenants, and officials say the new funding …

News