Wintherix announces WX04554 molecule can cause bone healing

Wintherix, LLC, a privately held biotechnology company focusing on bone healing and regenerative medicine, today announced that WX04554, a potent small molecule activator of the Wnt pathway, has been designated as a lead drug for clinical development in bone healing and repair indications.

Pre-clinical studies indicate that this class of small molecules potently activates the Wnt pathway and causes bones to heal and become stronger by forcing stem cells to become bone forming cells called osteoblasts.  "The proof-of-concept animal studies showing faster and stronger bone formation lead us to be very excited. We believe it has potential for human therapeutic application in a number of diseases including bone fracture repair, spinal fusions, and possibly as a preventative for osteoporosis patients," stated John Hood, CSO of Wintherix. "Having reached this milestone, we expect WX04554 will be in the clinic by late 2011, and we're now currently exploring strategic partnerships," added Dr. Hood.

Trauma is the second biggest cost item to the US healthcare system at over $55B/yr, of which almost half is used to treat broken bones. And with 20% of osteoporotic hip fracture patients dying within a year, the ability to reverse bone thinning and heal at-risk patients would be a significant advance to health care.