QUEBEC, Feb. 19, 2026 - Devonian Health Group Inc. (TSXV: GSD) announced encouraging outcomes from a follow-up preclinical study assessing Thykamine™ in a human metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH) model utilizing the PhysioMimix® Liver-on-a-Chip platform. Conducted by CN Bio Innovations in Cambridge, UK, the study highlights the potential of Thykamine™ as a therapeutic candidate.
The findings reveal that Thykamine™ has dose-dependent effects on critical pathological features of MASH, such as fibrosis and inflammation, in a relevant human liver system. This study serves as a vital translational link between Devonian's prior results in the mouse STAM® MASH model and a predictive human microphysiological model.
Four low concentrations of Thykamine™ (0.025, 0.05, 0.1, and 0.2 mg/mL) were evaluated over a 14-day treatment period in a dynamic triple-cell liver model, which included primary human hepatocytes, Kupffer cells, and hepatic stellate cells, under continuous microfluidic flow to induce a MASH phenotype.
Elafibranor, a compound previously tested in MASH clinical trials, was used as a reference positive control (20 uM) alongside a vehicle control.
Key Findings on MASH Phenotype
1. Reduction in Fibrosis: Thykamine™ significantly reduced fibrosis biomarkers, including pro-collagen and TIMP-1, particularly at concentrations of 0.1 and 0.2 mg/mL, indicating its potential to impede fibrotic progression in MASH.
2. Collagen Accumulation Suppression: Confocal imaging showed a notable decrease in Type I collagen deposition, demonstrating a reduction in one of the primary structural components of fibrotic MASH. Higher doses yielded greater reductions than Elafibranor under similar conditions.
3. Inflammatory Signaling Modulation: Thykamine™ led to a dose-dependent decrease in pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-6 and IL-8, reflecting its effect on inflammatory pathways contributing to hepatocellular injury and disease advancement in MASH.
4. Liver Cell Health Preservation: Throughout the study, LDH levels remained low with no signs of drug-induced liver injury, and observed changes in albumin production will be further explored.
“These findings indicate that Thykamine™ influences fundamental biological processes defining MASH, encompassing fibrosis and inflammation,” remarked Dr. André P. Boulet, CEO of Devonian. “This study, in conjunction with our previous mouse STAM® data, reinforces the rationale for Thykamine™ as a potential disease-modifying therapeutic agent.”
The PhysioMimix® Liver-on-a-Chip platform replicates essential aspects of human MASH pathology by integrating multi-cellular liver architecture with physiological flow. The consistent performance of Thykamine™ across both in vivo and human organ-on-a-chip models underscores its unique profile among emerging MASH therapeutics.
Devonian is set to proceed with further preclinical studies to deepen the understanding of Thykamine™'s disease-modifying capabilities, supporting its development in MASH and other fibrotic diseases.
Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) stands as the most prevalent form of chronic liver disease globally, affecting 20-30% of the population. NAFLD can progress to metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH), characterized by inflammation, hepatocellular ballooning, and escalating fibrosis. If left unattended, MASH may lead to cirrhosis and liver cancer.
The MASH treatment market is rapidly expanding, fueled by increasing rates of obesity and metabolic syndrome. According to DataM Intelligence, this market was valued at $7.87 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach $31.76 billion by 2033, with a 17.7% CAGR from 2025 to 2033.
Thykamine™, the first pharmaceutical product from Devonian's SUPREX™ platform, is an innovative solution targeting inflammation and oxidative stress-related health issues. Its anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory properties have been validated through numerous studies, including a Phase IIa trial in ulcerative colitis and a Phase II study in patients with atopic dermatitis. Both Thykamine™ and the SUPREX™ platform are protected by patents issued in North America, Europe, and Asia.
CN Bio is committed to accelerating drug discovery through its pioneering Organ-on-chip technology, offering valuable insights into drug performance predictions. The company's PhysioMimix® technology has garnered recognition, including acceptance into the FDA's ISTAND program, and has informed several regulatory filings.
Devonian Health Group Inc. specializes in developing drugs for autoimmune fibroinflammatory diseases and operates a commercialization subsidiary, Altius Healthcare LP, focused on selling pharmaceutical products in Canada under license from notable pharmaceutical brands. For more information, visit www.groupedevonian.com and learn more about their innovative approaches.