Bluejay Therapeutics has revealed preclinical data on BJT-188, a liver-targeted fatty acid synthase (FASN) inhibitor designed to treat metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH). The data, presented at the European Association for the Study of the Liver (EASL) Congress 2025, show that BJT-188 potently inhibits FASN in the liver while minimizing systemic exposure, potentially reducing side effects seen with other FASN inhibitors. This development comes as MASH diagnoses rise, with a limited number of effective treatments currently available.
The increasing prevalence of MASH and the lack of effective therapies underscore the urgent need for new treatment options. BJT-188’s liver-specific action addresses a key limitation of current FASN inhibitors, which often cause systemic side effects, including alopecia. This targeted approach could improve the safety profile of FASN inhibition and encourage broader adoption for MASH patients.
Preclinical studies demonstrated that BJT-188 effectively inhibits de novo lipogenesis (DNL), the process of converting sugar into fat, in human liver cells. Animal studies confirmed preferential accumulation of BJT-188 in the liver compared to denifanstat, another FASN inhibitor. This localized action resulted in up to 98% DNL inhibition in the liver while minimizing exposure to skin and other peripheral tissues.
The promising preclinical results for BJT-188 pave the way for Investigational New Drug (IND)-enabling studies. If successful, this new therapy could significantly improve treatment outcomes and quality of life for individuals with MASH. The liver-targeting approach holds promise for developing safer and more effective therapies for liver diseases, potentially transforming the MASH treatment landscape.
Jon Napitupulu is Director of Media Relations at The Clinical Trial Vanguard. Jon, a computer data scientist, focuses on the latest clinical trial industry news and trends.
