Monte Rosa Therapeutics said it saw positive data from a phase 1 study evaluating MRT-8102, which is being developed to treat inflammatory conditions in patients with elevated risk of cardiovascular disease.

The company said Thursday the drug, a molecular glue degrader, successfully targeted and degraded NEK7, a type of protein that drives inflammatory conditions, with a median reduction of about 80% to 90% observed across all three dose levels in the study.

Both drivers of plaque growth and progression and systemic inflammatory biomarkers were substantially reduced following MRT-8102 administration at all three dose levels to levels comparable with baseline values from healthy volunteers, the company said.

The company said the results are encouraging and support the continued development of MRT-8102 in cardiovascular disease and other indications. The company said it expects to initiate multiple Phase 2 studies of MRT-8102 in indications with high unmet need, including stable coronary artery disease and residual inflammation and gout.