SynerK Announces SNK-2726 Advances with First Subject Dosed in Phase I Clinical Trial

May 14, 2025 – SynerK PharmaTech (Suzhou) Co., Ltd. (hereinafter referred to as "SynerK"), a leading biopharmaceutical company focused on RNA interference (RNAi) therapeutics, announced today that its leading asset , SNK-2726, developed using the GalNexus platform, has been successfully dosed to the first subject in a Phase I clinical trial in China. This follows the receipt of Investigational New Drug (IND) approval from the Center for Drug Evaluation (CDE) of China’s National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) and United States Food and Drug Administration (US FDA).

SNK-2726 is a long-acting siRNA therapeutic designed to target angiotensinogen (AGT), a key protein involved in hypertension. By reducing AGT levels in the liver, SNK-2726 inhibits the activation of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS), helping to control blood pressure over an extended period. The drug is seen as a potentially groundbreaking option for hypertension patients, providing a more durable, sustained treatment compared to traditional therapies.

Preclinical studies of SNK-2726 have demonstrated promising results. In non-human primate and transgenic mouse models, a single subcutaneous injection led to prolonged reductions in blood AGT levels, maintaining efficacy for several months. Furthermore, no hepatorenal toxicity or electrolyte imbalances were observed, suggesting a favorable safety profile. In a hypertension monkey model, SNK-2726 effectively reduced serum AGT and lowered blood pressure significantly.

The Phase I clinical trial, a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study, aims to evaluate the safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics (PK), and pharmacodynamics (PD) of SNK-2726 in both healthy volunteers and subjects with mildly elevated blood pressure. “AGT plays crucial role in regulating blood pressure,” said Dr. Charles Xing, Head of Clinical Development at SynerK. “SNK-2726’s unique property gives it two major advantages: long-lasting effectiveness and a strong safety profile. We’re really optimistic about its potential in clinical development.”

Hypertension, a major global health challenge, affects 245 million people in China, with fewer than 16% achieving controlled blood pressure (according to the World Health Organization). Current treatment regimens are often hindered by high dosing frequency and side effects, limiting patient adherence. Compared to traditional small-molecule inhibitors, SNK-2726’s ultra-long-acting profile could greatly improve adherence and may reduce cardiovascular risks by providing sustained blood pressure control.

“SNK-2726’s first dosing marks a significant milestone for our cardiovascular pipeline,” said Dr. Tao Lan, CEO of SynerK. “By harnessing the power of our GalNexus platform, we’ve developed a therapy that has the potential to stand out in clinical practice, addressing significant gaps in blood pressure management and ultimately improving patient outcomes. In addition to SNK-2726, SynerK is advancing a range of innovative siRNA therapeutics, including some first-in-class RNAi drugs aimed at treating cardiovascular and other diseases with substantial unmet medical needs. The progress of these programs underscores our dedication to pioneering novel RNAi-based treatments that could reshape the future of healthcare.”

SynerK has also entered into a strategic collaboration with Huadong Medicine in Greater China to jointly advance the development of SNK-2726. This partnership combines SynerK’s innovative expertise with Huadong’s clinical and commercialization resources, aiming to accelerate the clinical development of SNK-2726 and offer a revolutionary treatment for hypertension.

About SNK-2726

SNK-2726, with independent intellectual property rights owned by SynerK, is a subcutaneous RNAi drug targeting angiotensinogen (AGT). It is being developed for the treatment of hypertension and is currently in the Phase Ⅰ clinical study stage. AGT is the upstream precursor in the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS). AGT in the blood circulation is produced mainly by the liver. Inhibiting the production of AGT can effectively block the activity of the RAAS system and reduce blood pressure. Preclinical study results showed that SNK-2726 can potently inhibit the synthesis of AGT in the liver and has prolonged effects, which can lead to a stable and continuous decrease of AGT, and ultimately lower blood pressure.

About SynerK

SynerK is a biopharmaceutical company focusing on the development of RNA-targeted therapies. It operates in the USA (Boston, MA) and China (Suzhou and Beijing). The cofounders are industry experts with rich experience in nucleic acid drug discovery and development. SynerK aims to build a world-class RNA-targeted therapeutic company by developing products that have the potential to be first-in-class or best-in-class treatments, targeting diseases that are difficult to cure with existing therapies.

For more information, please visit: www.synerk.cn