News

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.”

Recent News

05/22/2026

BIO Statement on Veto of Prescription Drug Affordability Boards (PDAB) in VirginiaPatrick J. Plues, Senior Vice President of State Government Affairs & Affiliate Relations at the Biotechnology Innovation Organization (BIO) released the following statement on the veto of Prescription Drug Affordability Boards (PDAB) legislation in Virginia: “BIO applauds Governor Spanberger’s decision to veto SB 271 and HB 483 — legislation that would have established a Prescription Drug Affordability Board (PDAB) and imposed arbitrary price controls in Virginia. The Governor’s action recognized an important point: even well-intentioned healthcare policies must be carefully designed to avoid unintended consequences for patients, providers, employers, and Virginia’s innovation economy. “BIO is proud to represent biotechnology companies developing the next generation of life-changing medicines, including many in the Commonwealth. We believe policymakers play a critically important role in helping advance both patient access to treatments and the continued growth of the life sciences sector. “We look forward to working with the Governor’s Administration, the General Assembly, Virginia Bio and other stakeholders to advance practical, patient-centered policy solutions that improve affordability while preserving access to care and the innovation ecosystem patients depend on.”

Patrick J. Plues, Senior Vice President of State Government Affairs & Affiliate Relations at the Biotechnology Innovation Organization (BIO) released the following statement on the veto of Prescription Drug Affordability Boards (PDAB) legislation in Virginia: “BIO applauds Governor Spanberger’s decision to veto SB 271 and HB 483 — legislation that would have established a Prescription

05/21/2026

Virginia Bio Applauds Governor Spanberger’s Veto of SB 271 and HB 483

The Virginia Biotechnology Association (Virginia Bio) today expressed strong support for Governor Abigail Spanberger’s decision to veto Senate Bill 271 and House Bill 483, legislation that would have established a Prescription Drug Affordability Advisory Panel (PDAAP) in the Commonwealth. Virginia Bio and the Virginia Chamber of Commerce sent a joint letter to Governor Spanberger commending

05/21/2026

New Global Clinical Society to Bring Focused Ultrasound Into Mainstream Medicine

The Focused Ultrasound Foundation today announced the launch of the International Focused Ultrasound Society (IFUS), a new organization dedicated to advancing clinical practice and accelerating adoption of focused ultrasound – a revolutionary, noninvasive therapeutic technology. Established as a program of the Focused Ultrasound Foundation, IFUS aggregates and expands the Foundation’s activities related to clinical implementation