Novo Nordisk has dosed the first subject in a Phase I clinical trial of the oral NLRP3 inhibitor NNC6022-0001 (formerly known as VENT-01) as a potential treatment for various conditions.

Ventus Therapeutics licenced NNC6022-0001 to Novo Nordisk in September 2022.

The study aims to thoroughly evaluate the pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, and safety profile of NNC6022-0001.

It will involve a broad range of doses administered to healthy volunteers.

Under an exclusive development and licensing agreement announced in September 2022, Novo Nordisk obtained global rights for the development and commercialisation of Ventus' leading NLRP3 inhibitor programme for various indications.

The programme targets a variety of diseases, including metabolic dysfunction-associated non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (MASH), chronic kidney disease, and other cardiometabolic conditions.

In exchange for the licensing rights, Ventus obtained $70m in upfront payment, along with ongoing research and development funding.

Additionally, Ventus is entitled to receive up to $633m in potential clinical, regulatory, and commercial milestones, as well as tiered royalties on future sales.

Novo Nordisk Global Drug Discovery senior vice-president Karin Conde-Knape said: “NLRP3 inhibitors have potential in a wide variety of cardiometabolic diseases, including obesity, metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH), and chronic kidney disease.

“Since the beginning of our partnership with Ventus, we have seen additional evidence for the broad range of opportunities addressable by targeting NLRP3.

“This trial initiation marks the first stage in our NLRP3 inhibitor clinical programme, and we are eager to be a key player in this expanding field.”

In March this year, Novo Nordisk reported headline results from the FLOW trial, where its semaglutide demonstrated a 24% reduction in kidney disease progression and mortality.