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SCIENCE

Our Science: Powered by CC16

Therapeutic Innovation by Mimicking CC16

Aspiro Therapeutics is developing a first-in-class inhaled therapy that mimics the protective power of CC16, a natural lung protein vital for healthy breathing. Our lead peptidomimetic compound is designed to restore CC16’s dual function: regulating immune cell trafficking and enhancing epithelial defense to reduce inflammation, protect against infection, and preserve lung function.

Deficiency in CC16 is linked to chronic airway inflammation, epithelial damage, and disease progression in asthma and COPD. By targeting these underlying mechanisms, our therapy aims to modify the course of disease rather than simply managing symptoms.

Preclinical
Proof-of-Concept

Our lead compound has demonstrated strong proof of concept in both cellular and animal models of obstructive lung disease. Designed to replicate the dual function of CC16, it reduces inflammation and enhances epithelial defense, addressing two key drivers of disease progression in asthma and COPD.

Key findings to date:

  • Reduces harmful neutrophil infiltration in the lungs
  • Preserves lung function during allergen challenge
  • Restores lung function in CC16 deficient mice
  • Stimulates the body’s own production of CC16 in ex vivo and in vivo models

A Comprehensive Research Approach: Insights from Human, Animal, and Mechanistic Studies

Human Studies

  • Circulating CC16 is reduced in patients with diminished lung function, whether they have had lower lung function since childhood or their lung function quickly decreased in adulthood, leading to COPD.
  • COPD and asthma cases have CC16 deficits both in their blood and lungs.
  • Genetic variants associated with low CC16 levels increase the risk of lung disease.

Animal Studies

  • Lack of CC16 in the lungs increases the risk for COPD- and asthma-like disease
  • Administration of CC16 or CC16-derived mimetics reduces cellular inflammation in the lungs by reducing the presence of inflammatory cells (neutrophils and eosinophils), the presence of inflammatory cytokines (TNF and KC), airway constriction, and airway remodeling
  • CC16 reduces the expression of mucus producing genes like Muc5ac that affect the outcomes of COPD
  • Reduction of cellular inflammation would help treat COPD and asthma patients

Mechanistic Studies

  • An active region of CC16 that binds to integrin complexes
  • By binding the integrin receptor on inflammatory cells in the bloodstream, CC16 prevents their migration into the lung
  • By binding the integrin receptor on epithelial cells, CC16 promotes defensive responses against respiratory pathogens
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Our team is dedicated to revolutionizing treatment for obstructive lung diseases. Contact us today to explore how we can collaborate to drive innovation for treating and preventing COPD.

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