Mechanism of Action

First-in-Class Self-Regulating Mechanism of Action
Targeting the Energy Metabolism of Immune Cells 

MetrioPharm's lead compound, MP1032, modulates the redox balance of reprogrammed, pathogenic macrophages and other immune cells. In these activated immune cells, MP1032 normalizes the expression of key pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, IL-12, and IL-18) all downstream of NF-κB, restoring them to physiologic levels.

Beyond its anti-inflammatory activity, MP1032 has demonstrated host-directed antiviral and antibacterial effects in several preclinical models, highlighting its potential as a broad-spectrum immunomodulator.

These potent immunomodulatory effects are primarily driven by:

• MP1032 exhibits a first-in-class, self-regulating mechanism that targets elevated levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in macrophages and other immune cells.
• MP1032 is activated only under conditions of elevated ROS and remains inactive at physiologic levels of ROS that are essential for cellular functions. This makes MP1032 the only known ROS scavenger that reduces ROS to physiologic levels but not below (no “overshoot”).
• MP1032 also inhibits Poly [ADP-ribose] polymerase 1 (PARP-1), a key driver of inflammation and immune activation, further supporting its unique mechanism of action.

For more information on MP1032 and MetrioPharms development pipeline, please download our corporate slide-deck: