Istesso starts trial of leramistat in sarcopenia
FOR RELEASE ON
16 June 2026
Portfolio company Istesso starts Phase 2 clinical trial of leramistat in sarcopenia
IP Group plc (LSE: IPO), which invests in breakthrough science and technology companies with the potential to create a better future for all, notes that portfolio company Istesso has commenced dosing in IST-03, a Phase 2 clinical trial of its lead candidate, leramistat, in patients with sarcopenia caused by rheumatoid arthritis.
The randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled study is evaluating the effects of leramistat on muscle quality, repair and function. Sarcopenia (muscle loss) is a significant and growing unmet need across ageing populations and multiple chronic diseases, for which no specific pharmacological therapies are available.
The clinical study builds on prior rheumatoid arthritis data showing leramistat improved disability and fatigue alongside reductions in markers of muscle loss. This is supported by preclinical findings showing restoration of muscle quality in disease models and recovery of muscle mass, quality and function in aged animals to levels greater than those seen in baseline younger animals.
The aim of the study is to show that it is possible to augment the human capacity to repair. If successful, this would have implications for the treatment of chronic degenerative and age-related diseases.
Leramistat is the lead candidate from Istesso's novel class of Mitochondrial Complex I Modulators (MCMs), which have demonstrated the ability to induce adaptive tissue repair and regeneration across multiple tissues, including muscle, bone, gut and lung.
Enrolment is currently underway at Newcastle University and Newcastle Hospitals, in conjunction with the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) whose specialist facilities and biopsy expertise include advanced imaging and analysis techniques that are ideally suited to delivering this innovative trial.
Greg Smith, Chief Executive of IP Group, said: "This marks an important inflection point for Istesso as it moves into Phase 2 evaluation of a genuinely novel approach to regenerative medicine. The programme is supported by a consistent body of clinical and preclinical data, and we believe the potential to influence underlying tissue repair represents a differentiated and scalable opportunity. Success here would be an important validation of the approach and open up multiple opportunities across large areas of unmet need."
IP Group has an undiluted holding of 56.5% in Istesso.
For more information, please contact:
IP Group plc
www.ipgroupplc.com
Liz Vaughan-Adams, Communications
+44 (0) 20 7444 0062/+44 (0) 7967 312125
Portland
Lewis Bendall-Craft
+44 (0) 7931 973950
Notes for editors
About IP Group
IP Group accelerates the impact of science for a better future. As the most active UK based, early stage science and technology investor, we develop and support some of the world's most exciting businesses in healthtech, deeptech and cleantech. Including through Parkwalk, the UK's largest growth EIS fund manager, we back world-changing innovation emerging in leading universities and research institutions. Our specialist investment team combines sector expertise with an international approach. Together we have a strong track record of success, having backed high-profile companies including Oxford Nanopore Technologies plc, Hinge Health, Featurespace, First Light Fusion, Hysata, and Oxa. IP Group is listed on the Main Market of the London Stock Exchange under the code IPO.
For more information, please visit our website at www.ipgroupplc.com.
About Istesso
Istesso is developing pioneering oral regenerative medicines that enhance the body's ability to repair, redefine treatment expectations and make a lasting impact on peoples' lives. We stand apart, disrupting conventional thinking and seeking robust science-led treatment solutions to enable people to live free from chronic disease. Scientists at heart, with almost 1,000 years of drug discovery expertise, we are the only company to understand and exploit the body's natural biology of repair. To learn more please visit us at: www.istesso.co.uk
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