2. Academic Validation
  3. Selective ROCK2 Inhibition In Focal Cerebral Ischemia

Selective ROCK2 Inhibition In Focal Cerebral Ischemia

  • Ann Clin Transl Neurol. 2014 Jan 1;1(1):2-14. doi: 10.1002/acn3.19.
Jeong Hyun Lee 1,  Yi Zheng 1,  Daniel von Bornstadt 1,  Ying Wei 1,  Aygul Balcioglu 1,  Ali Daneshmand 1,  Nilufer Yalcin 1,  Esther Yu 1,  Fanny Herisson 1,  Yahya B Atalay 1,  Maya Hwewon Kim 1,  Yong-Joo Ahn 1,  Mustafa Balkaya 1,  Paul Sweetnam 2,  Olivier Schueller 2,  Masha V Poyurovsky 3,  Hyung-Hwan Kim 1,  Eng H Lo 4,  Karen L Furie 5,  Cenk Ayata 6
Affiliations

Affiliations

  • 1 Neurovascular Research Laboratory, Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, MA 02129.
  • 2 Surface Logix Inc, Brighton, MA 02135.
  • 3 Kadmon Research Institute, New York, NY 10016.
  • 4 Neuroprotection Research Laboratory, Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, MA 02129.
  • 5 Department of Neurology, Rhode Island Hospital, Providence, RI 02903.
  • 6 Neurovascular Research Laboratory, Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, MA 02129 ; Stroke Service and Neuroscience Intensive Care Unit, Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114.
PMID: 24466563 DOI: 10.1002/acn3.19
Abstract

Objective: Rho-associated kinase (ROCK) is a key regulator of numerous processes in multiple cell types relevant in stroke pathophysiology. ROCK inhibitors have improved outcome in experimental models of acute ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke. However, the relevant ROCK isoform (ROCK1 or ROCK2) in acute stroke is not known.

Methods: We characterized the pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic profile, and tested the efficacy and safety of a novel selective ROCK2 Inhibitor KD025 (formerly SLx-2119) in focal cerebral ischemia models in mice.

Results: KD025 dose-dependently reduced infarct volume after transient middle cerebral artery occlusion. The therapeutic window was at least 3 hours from stroke onset, and the efficacy was sustained for at least 4 weeks. KD025 was at least as efficacious in aged, diabetic or female mice, as in normal adult males. Concurrent treatment with atorvastatin was safe, but not additive or synergistic. KD025 was also safe in a permanent ischemia model, albeit with diminished efficacy. As one mechanism of protection, KD025 improved cortical perfusion in a distal middle cerebral artery occlusion model, implicating enhanced collateral flow. Unlike isoform-nonselective ROCK inhibitors, KD025 did not cause significant hypotension, a dose-limiting side effect in acute ischemic stroke.

Interpretation: Altogether, these data show that KD025 is efficacious and safe in acute focal cerebral ischemia in mice, implicating ROCK2 as the relevant isoform in acute ischemic stroke. Data suggest that selective ROCK2 inhibition has a favorable safety profile to facilitate clinical translation.

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