Cyclerion flunks sickle cell test, prompting pivot to CNS disease
Cyclerion Therapeutics has terminated the development of olinciguat in sickle cell disease after getting a look at data from a phase 2 trial. The setback caused Cyclerion to switch its focus to IW-6463 and to treat central nervous system diseases.
Ironwood Pharmaceuticals spinout Cyclerion took olinciguat into phase 2 in sickle cell disease on evidence strength; it intensifies nitric oxide signaling. By increasing signaling, Cyclerion anticipated olinciguat would cut the proportion of sickled cells while simultaneously improving blood flow and endothelial integrity, thus alleviating pain, fatigue,...