Discovered and developed by GlycoMimetics, GMI-1687 is a potent E-selectin antagonist that has been shown in animal models to be fully bioavailable following subcutaneous administration. It is a second-generation compound that overcomes the challenges of timely administration of IV therapies when people living with sickle cell disease (SCD) experience vaso-occlusive crises (VOCs), also referred to as pain crises. As such, GMI-1687 is being positioned as a potentially self-administered drug to be used in the outpatient setting.
E-selectin mediates cell adhesion and, when activated, causes inflammatory cells to adhere to the lining of blood vessels, creating a foundation for sickled and other cells to clot and occlude the flow of blood. These clots cause the hallmark of SCD – VOCs (pain crises), which occur in capillaries and small blood vessels and impede blood flow and delivery of oxygen throughout the body.
In 2022, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) cleared the GMI-1687 IND for development in SCD and to proceed with a Phase 1 clinical trial in healthy volunteers. GlycoMimetics is currently seeking a partner to begin development of the novel compound.