Gesynta Pharma's drug candidate GS-248 for the treatment of endometriosis receives WHO-assigned INN vipoglanstat

Vipoglanstat, formerly known as GS-248, is a drug candidate due to enter clinical phase II development as a treatment of endometriosis. Vipoglanstat reduces the formation of pro-inflammatory prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) by inhibition of the enzyme mPGES-1 (microsomal prostaglandin E2 synthase-1). The new substance name is based on the prefix vipo- for the individual substance, and the stem -glanstat for a broader category of pharmaceutical substances classified by the WHO as "prostaglandin synthase inhibitors". The World Health Organization (WHO) has established the INN system to facilitate the identification of active drug substances globally. 

"The assignment of an INN, commonly often called a generic name, is an important preparatory step for a drug candidate's market approval and subsequent launch. We are eager to continue our clinical development program, assessing the potential of vipoglanstat as a treatment for endometriosis, a painful inflammatory disease that primarily affects women during their reproductive years and presents significant unmet medical needs. Recognizing the considerable physical and emotional burden to those affected, we are committed to finding better treatment options", says Patric Stenberg, CEO, Gesynta Pharma.

Vipoglanstat is being developed as a new, non-hormonal treatment for endometriosis - a chronic inflammatory condition characterized by the presence of endometriotic lesions, consisting of endometrial-like tissue which grows outside the uterus. This leads to a chronic inflammatory reaction that may cause severe and chronic pain, and can result in adhesions in the abdominal cavity. Vipoglanstat inhibits the enzyme mPGES-1, thereby reducing the formation of pro-inflammatory PGE2. Beyond its pain-inducing properties, PGE2 also has a key role in the formation and development of endometriotic lesions. Thus, vipoglanstat has the potential for disease modification in endometriosis, offering a non-hormonal treatment option in a disease with high unmet medical need.  Endometriosis affects one in ten women of reproductive age - approximately 190 million women globally - and causes symptoms such as severe pelvic pain, painful menstrual periods, and pain associated with bowel movements, urination, and sexual intercourse. Endometriotic lesions are detected in up to 50% of women seeking treatment for infertility. Due to the extensive disease burden that persists for many years, endometriosis has a serious, long-term impact on quality of life.