ChemStent™

ChemStent™ represents a unique set of molecules being researched and developed for the treatment of atherosclerosis.

AtheroChem’s novel molecules treat atherosclerosis by directly modulating a critical cellular enzyme target, cholesteryl ester hydrolase (CEH). This enzyme acts as a gate keeper, allowing macrophage foam cells to remove stored intracellular cholesterol onto apolipoproteins, such as apoA1 (see The Disease – Novel Target).

We call our approach ChemStent™, short for "Chemical Stenting™" because similar to drug coated stents, our compounds go to, and directly act on the atherosclerotic lesions.

ChemtStent™ encompasses both a large and small molecule drug discovery and development program:

• ACLM-19, a modified peptide, directly enhances the activity of CEH and promotes cholesterol efflux. Results in apoE knockout mice showed that a closely related compound prevented atherosclerosis; ACLM-19 has improved delivery properties and is orally active.
• The ACSM series of compounds has been shown to promote macrophage cholesterol efflux in vitro and is being developed for in vivo testing.