Lexicon Pharmaceuticals Announces Publication of Preclinical Data in the Journal of the Endocrine Society on Acyl-CoA Synthetase 5 (ACSL5) Reinforcing the Scientific Rationale for LX9851

Core Insights - Lexicon Pharmaceuticals has published preclinical data supporting Acyl-CoA Synthetase 5 (ACSL5) as a target for obesity and chronic weight management, indicating potential for new therapeutic options [1][3] Preclinical Research Findings - ACSL5 knockout mice exhibited lower body fat, triglycerides, total cholesterol, and blood glucose, while conserving lean body mass compared to normal mice [4] - The knockout mice maintained lower body weight and fat on a high-fat diet, and similar effects were observed with oral administration of small molecule ACSL5 inhibitors [4] - Mechanistic studies revealed that these favorable metabolic characteristics were due to the activation of the ileal brake mechanism, which delays gastric emptying and reduces food consumption [4] About LX9851 - LX9851 is a first-in-class, non-incretin, oral small molecule inhibitor of ACSL5, aimed at treating obesity and associated cardiometabolic disorders [5] - The drug has shown potential in preclinical models for resistance to diet-induced obesity and improved body composition [5] - Lexicon is exploring LX9851 as both a standalone therapy and in combination with GLP-1 agonists like semaglutide [5] Company Overview - Lexicon Pharmaceuticals is focused on pioneering medicines that transform patients' lives, utilizing its Genome5000™ program to identify therapeutic targets [6] - The company has advanced multiple medicines to market and has a pipeline of drug candidates in various stages of development for conditions including heart failure, neuropathic pain, obesity, and diabetes [6]