Angiotensin (1-7) [Ang 1-7] is a 7 amino acid peptide generated predominantly from Ang II by the action of Ang-converting enzyme 2. Ang 1-7 can act as a negative modulator of aldosterone secretion in vitro and in vivo. The endogenous heptapeptide angiotensin-(1-7) (Ang-(1-7)) is a RAS component that has a central role in the alternative axis. It is generated by the cleavage of Ang-II by the action of the angiotensin converting enzyme 2 (ACE 2) and acts via interaction with the G-protein coupled receptor Mas. Angiotensin (1-7) induces vasorelaxation through release of NO and prostaglandins, perhaps through activation of a non-AT1, non-AT2 receptor, Mas. Counteracts the vasoconstrictive and proliferative effects of angiotensin II and stimulates vasopressin (anti-diuretic hormone) release in vivo. Clinical uses range from treatment of cardiovascular-related diseases, ocular pathologies, metabolic dysfunctions, brain conditions and degenerative diseases to applications in cell differentiation and hematopoiesis, tumor therapy, acute lung injury, fibrosis, infection, among others. Tarix Orphan is developing TXA127 for rare neuromuscular and connective tissue diseases. TXA127 is a pharmaceutical formulation of the naturally occurring peptide, Angiotensin (1-7). TXA127 has been effective in animal models of Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), Limb-girdle muscular dystrophy (LGMD), congenital muscular dystrophy MDC1A, Marfan syndrome, and Dystrophic Epidermolysis Bullosa (DEB). FDA granted rare pediatric disease designation to TXA127 from Tarix to treat recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa (RDEB). TXA127 has been granted orphan drug status by FDA as a treatment for pulmonary arterial hypertension, to enhance engraftment in patients receiving a stem cell transplant, and for Myelodysplastic Syndrome (MDS). Tarix Orphan has broad IP protection for TXA127 and Orphan Drug Designations (ODDs) have been granted for DMD LGMD and DEB in the U.S., and for DMD in Europe. Tarix Orphan aims to initiate a clinical trials for both DMD and DEB in early 2018 and has an active IND for a Phase II trial in DMD, as well as Fast Track designation for DMD.

Aclerastide (DSC-127; NorLeu-3-A(1-7)) is an angiotensin analogue that is being developed by Derma Sciences (a subsidiary of Integra LifeSciences) for the treatment for wounds such as diabetic foot ulcer and surgical scars. The mechanisms of action include induction of progenitor proliferation, accelerated vascularization, collagen deposition, and re-epithelialization. Aclerastide recently failed in phase III clinical trials for treatment of diabetic foot ulcers. Phase I development of aclerastide ophthalmic solution is ongoing in the US.