US biotech start-up launches novel PCOS drug programme

The US biotech start-up Celmatix has launched a novel PCOS drug programme to address “critical” gaps in the women’s health market.

The programme, which is targeting melatonin receptors outside of the central nervous system (CNS), aims to bridge a critical gap in the market for treatments for a range of women’s health indications, starting with PCOS and with the potential to expand into the treatment of endometriosis and menopause.

PCOS is known primarily for being one of the most common causes of female infertility, affecting around 15 per cent of women of reproductive age.

However, disrupted ovarian physiology in women experiencing PCOS has also been shown to impact endocrine, immune, metabolic, cardiovascular, and mental health functions.

Despite its prevalence, the existing standard of care for PCOS focuses on symptom management, including birth control pills to regularise periods, metformin to address insulin resistance, statins to control high cholesterol, ovarian stimulation for ovulatory dysfunction, and cosmetic procedures to remove unwanted hair, says Celmatix.

Its programme is aimed at restoring ovarian function in a way that addresses the root cause of all these symptoms.

The New York-based start-up has previously announced findings demonstrating rare functional mutations in the melatonin receptor genes of women with PCOS and the strong association of the melatonin receptor genes with PCOS traits.

Now, through its therapeutic programme, the company aims to develop a novel melatonin receptor agonist compound to increase therapeutic action at the target tissues, including the ovary, and minimise unwanted side effects like drowsiness.

“The ovary is not just an egg factory. It is the central command centre of a woman’s body, integrating signals from the body including stress, inflammation, and nutritional status,” explains Dr Piraye Yurttas Beim, Celmatix founder and CEO.

“Light is one of the most powerful signals that enters our body, so it was no surprise to us that genetic differences in how women’s bodies respond to light emerged in our studies as a powerful link to PCOS and PCOS-related traits.

“We are excited to not just be at the forefront of highlighting the importance of melatonin signaling for ovarian health and function but also pioneering the development of a novel melatonin receptor agonist that acts specifically in the periphery and not the brain.”

She added: “We believe this drug has the potential to support ovarian health throughout a woman’s lifespan, beginning with treating the root causes of PCOS early in life and later through enabling healthier ageing for women as their ovarian function declines through the menopause transition.”