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Recombinant P-selectin glycoprotein ligand-1 Ig (rPSGL-Ig) Selectin antagonist R&D Stage: Phase II

YSPSL is a clinical-stage recombinant molecule resulting from fusion of P-selectin glycoprotein ligand (PSGL) and human IgG1. It acts as an antagonist of P-selectin.
Y's Therapeutics has recently evaluated YSPSL in two Phase II clinical trials: 1) for the prevention of delayed graft function (DGF) in patients undergoing cadaveric kidney transplantation, and 2) for the prevention of ischemic reperfusion injury in liver transplant patients.
Both studies were completed in December 2007. An additional Phase II study in liver transplant was initiated in June 2008.

Ischemia reperfusion injury(IRI) is an important unmet need in human organ transplant. IRI occurs when blood re-flows into ischemic tissue, in this case, the newly transplanted organ. In the case of renal transplant, IRI is the underlying cause of DGF, which occurs when the kidney does not function sufficiently after transplantation, often requiring dialysis to support the patient.
At the site of injury, P-selectin present on the activated endothelium binds to its ligand on the platelets and leukocytes which results in inflammation.
YSPSL blocks this selectin/ligand interaction in animal models, thereby preventing the tissue damage resulting from inappropriate inflammation.
YSPSL is also under investigation for the treatment of a variety of diseases relating to the prevention of inflammation, thrombosis and hyperplasia. Y's has received orphan status and designation for YSPSL in transplant indications in the US and EMEA(respectively).