Published in the peer-reviewed journal of the National Kidney Foundation, Kidney Medicine (December 2024), this meta-analysis led by Dr. Matthew T. James and colleagues systematically reviewed human clinical data evaluating cilastatin’s nephroprotective effects in people at risk of acute kidney injury (AKI).

The study reinforces the clinical relevance of cilastatin, a well-established inhibitor of renal dipeptidase-1 (DPEP1), demonstrating a strong human safety profile and consistent protection against AKI across diverse patient populations.

Abstract

The analysis included more than 1,500 participants from multiple randomized and observational studies involving high-risk clinical settings, including antibiotic-, chemotherapy-, and contrast-associated kidney injury.

Cilastatin treatment was associated with up to a 74% lower risk of AKI, underscoring its potential as a nephroprotective therapy for patients exposed to nephrotoxic drugs or procedures.

Dr. James MD PhD (University of Calgary), who also ...

Published in the peer reviewed journal BMJ Open (March 2024, Vol 14, Issue 3), this paper by key members of the Arch Biopartners scientific team, led by Dr. Daniel Muruve at the University of Calgary, and their collaborators, describes the clinical highlights, outcomes and biomarker results of the study.

The results of the Phase II trial provided first-ever evidence validating Dipeptidase-1 (DPEP1) as a mediator of organ inflammation and therapeutic target in humans. In addition, LSALT peptide was well tolerated with no safety issues related to the drug.

The Phase II trial was an international, multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, proof of concept study of LSALT peptide for the prevention of organ inflammation such as acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) and acute kidney injury (AKI) in hospitalised patients infected with SARS-CoV-2. The exploratory, adaptive trial was initiated in the early stages of the global pandemic to ...

Published in the AAAS journal Science Advances this paper by key members of the Arch Biopartners scientific team led by Dr. Daniel Muruve at the University of Calgary, and their collaborators, demonstrated the mechanism by which DPEP-1 regulates the recruitment of leukocytes (i.e. inflammation) to the kidney following ischemia reperfusion injury, which is injury that occurs after a reduction in blood flow to the kidney. Ischemia reperfusion injury is a common cause of AKI in humans undergoing cardiac surgery or kidney transplantation.

Importantly, the study also confirmed the mechanism of action of two DPEP-1 inhibitors, the LSALT peptide (Metablok) and cilastatin that effectively protected the kidney during ischemia reperfusion injury. Both the LSALT peptide and cilastatin are protected by composition and method of use patents for AKI respectively and held by Arch Biopartners.

Publication Details

Science Advances, ...