SSO-001 for Osteoarthritis (OA)

SSO-001 is a first-in-class phospholipase autotaxin (ATX) inhibitor that may act as a disease-modifying drug and relieves OA associated symptoms. ATX is a secreted lysophospholipase D widely present in biological fluids that catalyzes the conversion of lysophosphatidylcholine (LPC) to lysophosphatidic acid (LPA). LPA is a pluripotent lipid mediator acting through plasma membrane-associated LPA receptors and via intracellular receptor peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ), ultimately leading to the stimulation of nociception, cell proliferation, migration, and cytokine and matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) production. Increased levels of ATX and LPA have been found in synovial fluids, inflammatory site, and synovial fibroblasts isolated from animal models and OA patients, suggesting the potential role of ATX and LPA in the pathogenesis of OA.