Revolutionary Glycine Compound Shows Promise in Atherosclerosis Treatment
Imagine a world where heart attacks and strokes are dramatically reduced through a simple, glycine-based compound.Scientists have developed a promising new treatment originally designed for severe fatty liver disease, DT-109, that is now demonstrating powerful effects in reducing atherosclerosis and vascular calcification in animal models. What if this breakthrough could redefine cardiovascular care, offering a new approach to tackling teh root causes of heart disease?
Glycine-Based Compound DT-109 Reduces Atherosclerosis
A groundbreaking drug candidate, initially created to reverse severe fatty liver disease, has now been shown to reduce atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis is the build-up of plaque in the arteries that leads to heart attacks and strokes, according to new 2025 research published in Signal Transduction and Targeted Therapy. The compound,called DT-109,is a glycine-based tripeptide created by scientists at the University of Michigan.
Preclinical Studies show remarkable Results
In a recent preclinical study, conducted in collaboration with Xi’an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, researchers found that DT-109 substantially limited the formation of atherosclerotic plaques in both the aorta and coronary arteries of primates fed a high-cholesterol diet. This offers a tangible hope for individuals at high risk of cardiovascular events.
Did You Know? Cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of death globally,accounting for an estimated 17.9 million deaths each year, according to the world Health Organization.
DT-109 Blocks Inflammation and Arterial Calcification
Crucially, DT-109 also halted vascular calcification, a process that stiffens arteries and destabilizes plaques, increasing the risk of cardiovascular events. Researchers found that the compound blocked inflammatory signaling associated with calcification, including activity of NLRP3 inflammasome, a protein complex known to drive vascular inflammation.This dual action is what sets DT-109 apart from traditional treatments.
Expert Insights on DT-109’s therapeutic Potential
“Atherosclerosis and vascular calcification remain among the leading global health threats, yet current standard-of-care medications fail to effectively address them,” said Dr. Eugene Chen,M.D., co-senior author of the study and Frederick G. L.Huetwell Professor of Cardiovascular Medicine at U-M Medical School. “DT-109 has demonstrated a remarkable ability to counteract the progression of atherosclerosis, an achievement that holds immense therapeutic potential.”
DT-109: A Compound With a Dual Mission
DT-109 was originally developed in 2019 following discoveries that impaired glycine metabolism could trigger non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). In 2023,a separate study published in Cell Metabolism showed that DT-109 could reverse the severe form of NAFLD,now renamed metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASH),in both mice and nonhuman primates.
Pro Tip: Maintain a heart-healthy lifestyle by incorporating regular exercise, a balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables, and stress management techniques to reduce your risk of cardiovascular diseases.
The Link Between MASH and Atherosclerosis
The link between MASH and atherosclerosis is well-established, with the liver condition increasing cardiovascular risk.With DT-109 showing efficacy in treating both, researchers say it could fill an meaningful therapeutic gap. This is especially significant as MASH affects a large percentage of the global population.
Addressing the Root of the Disease
in the new study,after 10 months of feeding the primates a cholesterol-rich diet,researchers administered oral DT-109. The treatment not only suppressed plaque formation but also reduced chronic inflammation, a key driver of vascular disease, by dampening inflammasome activity.
DT-109 Acts Upstream of traditional Treatments
Unlike standard treatments like statins or PCSK9 inhibitors, which primarily focus on lowering cholesterol levels, DT-109 appears to act upstream, addressing the root mechanisms of inflammation and vascular damage.This offers a more complete approach to managing and possibly reversing atherosclerosis.
“these results are of particular importance because they suggest that DT-109 could not only reduce atherosclerotic lesions but also prevent the vascular calcification that exacerbates arterial stiffness and plaque vulnerability in advanced atherosclerosis,” Chen said. “This presents an opportunity to address the root of the issue, rather than managing complications as they come up.”
Path Toward Clinical Translation of DT-109
The use of nonhuman primate models, which more closely mirror human metabolism and cardiovascular function than mice, could help expedite DT-109’s progress to clinical trials. This is a critical step in bringing this promising treatment to those who need it most.
DT-109: A Groundbreaking Candidate for Clinical Trials
“Given its ability to reduce liver damage, modulate lipid metabolism, and inhibit the inflammatory pathways driving atherosclerosis, DT-109 is positioned as a groundbreaking candidate for clinical trials,” Chen added, “with the potential to significantly improve patient outcomes and reduce the risks associated with cardiovascular events in those with MASH.”
did You Know? Glycine, an amino acid, plays a crucial role in various metabolic processes, including the synthesis of proteins and neurotransmitters. Emerging research highlights its potential therapeutic benefits in cardiovascular and metabolic disorders.
Comparative Analysis: DT-109 vs. Traditional Treatments
| Treatment | Mechanism of Action | Primary Focus | Potential Benefits | Limitations |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DT-109 | Inhibits inflammation, reduces vascular calcification | Addressing root causes of inflammation and vascular damage | Reduces atherosclerotic lesions, prevents vascular calcification, treats MASH | Still in preclinical stages, requires human clinical trials |
| Statins | Lowers cholesterol levels by inhibiting cholesterol production in the liver | Lowering LDL cholesterol | Reduces risk of heart attack and stroke | Side effects, doesn’t address inflammation or vascular calcification |
| PCSK9 Inhibitors | Blocks PCSK9 protein, increasing the liver’s ability to remove LDL cholesterol from the blood | Lowering LDL cholesterol | Significant reduction in LDL cholesterol, reduces risk of cardiovascular events | Cost, requires injection, doesn’t address inflammation or vascular calcification |
The Future of Atherosclerosis Treatment
What advancements in cardiovascular health might we anticipate in the next decade? With ongoing research into innovative compounds like DT-109, the future of atherosclerosis treatment looks promising. Imagine a world where interventions target the root causes of vascular disease, offering more effective and personalized solutions.
Reader Engagement Question
What lifestyle changes do you think are most effective in preventing atherosclerosis,and how can new treatments like DT-109 complement these efforts?
Frequently Asked Questions (faqs)
What is atherosclerosis?
Atherosclerosis is the build-up of plaque in the arteries, which can lead to heart attacks and strokes.
How does DT-109 work?
DT-109 reduces atherosclerosis by blocking inflammation and halting vascular calcification, addressing the root mechanisms of vascular damage.
What is MASH?
MASH, or metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease, is a severe form of fatty liver disease linked to increased cardiovascular risk.
How is DT-109 different from statins?
Unlike statins, which focus on lowering cholesterol levels, DT-109 addresses the root mechanisms of inflammation and vascular damage, offering a more comprehensive approach.
What are the next steps for DT-109?
The next steps for DT-109 involve progressing to human clinical trials to assess its efficacy and safety in treating atherosclerosis and related conditions.
