Nyrada Inc. drug development company specialising in novel small molecule drugs to treat cardiovascular and neurological diseases provided an update on the progress of its Cholesterol-Lowering Program. Building on previous in vivo preclinical study that showed NYX-PCSK9i reduced total cholesterol by 57% without adverse side effects, Nyrada has now commenced a new in vivo efficacy study in the same specialised transgenic mouse model to evaluate NYX-PCSK9i in combination with a statin. This study aims to determine if NYX-PCSK9i enhances the efficacy of a statin drug when co-administered. In addition, Nyrada announces recent medicinal chemistry work has revealed two promising drug candidates (NYX-PCSK9i-211 and NYX-PCSK9i-212) with in vitro testing confirming they have improved potency and bioavailability (absorption) compared to NYX-PCSK9i. These new candidates may be less prone to interactions with drugs prescribed to patients with high cholesterol. Consequently, the new in vivo high cholesterol mouse study has been expanded to evaluate the efficacy of these new drug candidates. Results from this study are expected to be reported in mid-June and will enable Nyrada to select the optimum drug candidate to take forward into preclinical safety and toxicology testing, which is expected to start shortly after completion of the in vivo high cholesterol mouse study. Nyrada has also selected a preferred, internationally recognised Contract Research Organisation to oversee the preclinical safety and toxicology studies that are necessary before human clinical trials can commence. These studies aim to confirm cardiac, central nervous system, and respiratory safety and measure toxicological effects in two animal species, a requirement before starting clinical trials in humans. The design and structure of the studies have been agreed with the CRO. Commencement of the preclinical safety and toxicology studies is dependent on having sufficient amounts of the clinical candidate available. Nyrada is optimising the route of synthesis for these compounds as it scales up from gram to kilogram quantities, which are required for these studies. The Company will provide an update on the expected commencement and duration of the Phase I clinical trial once the high cholesterol mouse study and scale-up manufacturing are complete.