Pliant Therapeutics, Inc. announced topline data from a 12-week, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of bexotegrast (PLN-74809) conducted at Massachusetts General Hospital evaluating change in total collagen levels in the lungs of patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). IPF is a disease characterized by excessive collagen deposition in the lung. Bexotegrast-treated patients showed reduced total lung collagen post treatment as measured by positron emission tomography (PET) imaging, compared to increased total lung collagen in the placebo group, suggesting potential reversal of fibrosis.

Pliant's lead product candidate, bexotegrast (PLN-74809), is an oral, small molecule, dual selective inhibitor of avss6 and avss1 integrins that is in development in the lead indications for the treatment of idiopathic lung fibrosis, or IPF, and primary sclerosing cholangitis, or PSC. Bexotegrast has received Fast Track Designation and Orphan Drug Designation from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in IPF and PSC and Orphan Drug Designationfrom the European Medicines Agency in IPF and PSC. Pliant has initiated BEACON-IPF, a Phase 2b/3 trial of bexotegrAST in IPF.

Pliant is conducting a Phase 1 study for its third clinical program, PLN-101095, a small molecule, dual-selective inhibitor of avss8 and avss1 integrin, that is being developed for the treatment of solid tumors. Pliant has received regulatory clearance for the conduct of a Phase 1 study of PLN-101325, a monoclonal antibody against integrin a7b1 targeting muscular dystrophies. Because such statements deal with future events and are based on current expectations, they are subject to various risks and uncertainties and actual results, performance or achievements of Pliant Therapeutics could differ materially from those described in or implied by the statements in this press release.

These forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties, including those related to the development and commercialization of product candidates, including any delays in ongoing or planned preclinical or clinical trials, the impact of current macroeconomic and marketplace conditions, including the effects of health epidemics and pandemics, such as COVID-19, on business, operations, clinical supply and plans, reliance on third parties for critical aspects of development operations, the risks regarding the accuracy of estimates of expenses and timing of development, capital requirements and the need for additional financing, including the availability of additional term loans under the loan facility, and ability to obtain and maintain intellectual property protection for product candidates. These and additional risks are discussed in the sections titled "R&A".