NGM120
Hyperemesis Gravidarum
Powerful biology, transformative impact.
Our Pipeline
Program
Preclinical
Phase 1
Phase 2
Phase 3
EMERALD Phase 2 Clinical Trial Underway
Target & Indication
Hyperemesis Gravidarum (HG), a rare, debilitating condition of pregnancy, is characterized by intractable nausea and vomiting, which can be as frequent as 10 to 15 times per day and results in dehydration, debility, weight loss and malnutrition. HG has a significant physical and psychosocial impact on patients and leads to overall higher rates of fetal loss and termination, preeclampsia, preterm birth, low birth weight, fetal malnutrition, maternal depression, and in some cases, suicidal thoughts. HG is the leading cause of hospitalization in early pregnancy and typically recurs in subsequent pregnancies. There are no approved therapies that target the underlying cause of HG.
Although GDF15 is a hormone that everyone produces, levels of GDF15 are higher in pregnant women and can be even higher in women with HG. The extremely high levels of GDF15 are believed to cause the nausea and vomiting that are hallmarks of HG. NGM120 is an antibody designed to bind to the receptor (known as GFRAL) for GDF15. This binding blocks the interaction of GDF15 with GFRAL, which, in turn, inhibits the activity of GDF15, potentially alleviating HG symptoms.
Clinical Development Status
NGM120 has been generally well-tolerated in over 200 participants treated in clinical trials to date.
GDF15 = growth differentiation factor 15
GFRAL = glial cell-derived neurotrophic factor receptor alpha-like
NGM120
Cancer Cachexia
Planning for Phase 2 Proof-of-Concept Trial
Target & Indication
Defined by >5% weight loss, cachexia is a complex, multifactorial, multi-organ complication of cancer and several other chronic diseases. Up to 80% of advanced cancer patients are cachectic, and 30% of cancer deaths list cachexia as the primary cause. Cachexia may be a key factor for cancer treatments being ineffective or intolerable to patients.
GDF15 is a hormone that everyone produces, but elevated levels of GDF15 have been identified as the top risk factor associated with cachexia. The GDF15 pathway has been clinically validated as a potential therapeutic approach for patients with this condition. There are no approved therapies for treating cancer cachexia in the US or Europe.
NGM120 is an antibody designed to bind to the receptor (known as GFRAL) for GDF15. This binding blocks the interaction of GDF15 with GFRAL, which, in turn, inhibits the activity of GDF15. Thus, NGM120 has the potential to be a novel treatment targeting an underlying cause of cancer cachexia.
Clinical Development Status
NGM is enrolling patients in a Phase 2 proof-of-concept study of NGM120 as a treatment for cancer cachexia.
GDF15 = growth differentiation factor 15
GFRAL = glial cell-derived neurotrophic factor receptor alpha-like
Program Highlight
NGM120 in Hyperemesis Gravidarum
Hyperemesis Gravidarum (HG) is a serious disease characterized by intractable vomiting and nausea in pregnancy. Elevated levels of the protein GDF15 are a root cause of HG. NGM is studying NGM120, a GFRAL/GDF15 antagonistic antibody, as a potential treatment to address this root cause.
Partner with Us
Partnering is a key element of our strategy at NGM. In addition to advancing our lead candidate NGM120 in hyperemesis gravidarum and cancer cachexia, we have partnering opportunities available for several liver and oncology programs.
Email bd@ngmbio.com to learn more about partnering with NGM.
