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Progress in developing novel treatments for dupuytren’s disease

Ventoux Biosciences logo with image of extended hand, seeking to convey hope and progress for novel Dupuytren's treatments.

company mission

Dupuytren’s disease (DD) also known as Dupuytren’s contracture is a prevalent fibroproliferative disorder characterized by progressive hand contractures, leading to significant functional impairment. Current treatments are primarily surgical, with high recurrence rates and no FDA-approved disease-modifying therapies. Ventoux Biosciences is committed to addressing this unmet medical need through the development of VEN-201, a novel immuno-fibrotic modulator aimed at altering the disease course of DD.

Ventoux Biosciences aims to develop first-in-class, disease-modifying therapies for fibroproliferative disorders, with an initial focus on Dupuytren’s disease. By leveraging advanced multi-omic data and company sponsored preclinical research, the company seeks to introduce innovative treatments that can slow or reverse disease progression, improving patient outcomes and quality of life.

scientific rationale

VEN-201 can be characterized as an immune-fibrotic modulator, reflecting its dual role in modulating immune responses and fibrotic processes. Preclinical data from a bleomycin-induced dermal fibrosis model have independently confirmed that VEN-201 exhibits anti-fibrotic activity, as demonstrated by reduced tissue remodeling and mitigation of epidermal and dermal collagen deposition. Mechanistically, VEN-201 is believed to exert its effects by modulating macrophage phenotypes, shifting the balance from pro-inflammatory and pro-fibrotic states (M1 and M2a) to a reparative phenotype (M2c). This immunological adjustment promotes fibroblast restoration and limits pathological extracellular matrix (ECM) deposition.

The involvement of macrophages in DD pathogenesis is well-documented. Studies have identified a significant presence of classically activated (M1) macrophages within Dupuytren’s nodules, associated with elevated levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as TNF-α and IL-6. These cytokines contribute to the differentiation of fibroblasts into myofibroblasts, exacerbating fibrosis. Notably, TNF-α has been shown to drive myofibroblast differentiation via the Wnt signaling pathway, and its inhibition can attenuate the contractile activity of these cells1.

Further research utilizing biomimetic co-culture systems has demonstrated that interactions between macrophages and myofibroblast can regulate myofibroblast formation2, while the extracellular matrix deposited by Dupuytren’s disease myofibroblasts shifts macrophage activation states to secrete cytokines that promote fibrosis3, highlighting the central role of macrophage-myofibroblast crosstalk in DD progression.

development plans

dupuytren’s disease tissue | human proof of concept study

A key component of the next phase of development is to conduct an ex vivo study using precision-cut tissue slices (PCTS) of Dupuytren’s disease tissue. This human proof-of-concept study will evaluate the anti-fibrotic actions of VEN-201 and additional pipeline candidates on their ability to attenuate or slow the progression of fibrosis in Dupuytren’s disease tissue. This study is planned for collaboration with an academic medical center in Boston, as well as a leading contract research provider, and a genomics lab. The study seeks to elucidate key signaling pathways driving Dupuytren’s disease fibrogenesis, confirm clinical candidacy of VEN-201, and evaluate additional pipeline candidates in a human tissue model.

strategic initiatives

Formulation development

Ventoux Biosciences is advancing Chemistry, Manufacturing, and Controls (CMC) and formulation development, including the development of a long-acting injection (LAI) formulation for VEN-201. The company has conducted key pre-formulation analysis on VEN-201 and prepared plans for the physician- and patient-focused LAI formulation. Leadership, plans, and development partners are in place for optimization and selection of the LAI formulation, as well as key research to evaluate pharmacokinetics and distribution data in preparation for human trials.

comprehensive Intellectual property strategy

The company has secured a method-of-use patent and filed for global coverage. Formulation and composition-of-matter intellectual property is planned, with filings to coincide with the development of the LAI formulation of VEN-201.

REgulatory environment

Ventoux Biosciences plans to engage with the FDA to obtain critical guidance on the development pathway for VEN-201. This includes pre-Investigational New Drug (IND) meetings to discuss clinical and non-clinical development plans, study endpoints, timelines, and regulatory strategy, with the goal of securing 505(b)(2) status.

Future directions

Ventoux Biosciences remains committed to addressing the unmet medical need for novel Dupuytren’s disease treatments. To support the next critical stages of development, the company is actively raising capital to fund key initiatives, including preclinical studies, formulation advancements, and regulatory engagement.

Additionally, Ventoux Biosciences is exploring grant funding opportunities to complement its fundraising efforts. By leveraging a combination of private investment and non-dilutive funding, the company aims to systematically advance its research and development programs while carefully evaluating all available resources to bring innovative solutions to patients.

For more information about our mission and ongoing efforts, please visit www.ventouxbio.com.

references

  1. Verjee LS, Verhoekx JSN, Chan JKF, et al. Unraveling the signaling pathways promoting fibrosis in Dupuytren’s disease reveals TNF as a therapeutic target. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2013; 110:E928–E937.
  2. Sapudom J, Karaman S, Mohamed WKE, et al. 3D in vitro M2 macrophage model to mimic modulation of tissue repair. npj Regenerative Medicine. 2021; 6:83.
  3. Heinmäe E, Mäemets-Allas K, Maasalu K, et al. Pathological Changes in Extracellular Matrix Composition Orchestrate the Fibrotic Feedback Loop Through Macrophage Activation in Dupuytren’s Contracture. Int J Mol Sci. 2025; 26:3146.

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Johnny Randel

Johnny Randel is a senior finance executive who has more than 30 years of experience in financial institutions including over 17 in private equity.

Mr. Randel recently retired as the Chief Financial Officer (“CFO”) of StepStone Group. Inc (Nasdaq: STEP), a global private markets specialist firm delivering tailored investment solutions, advisory services, and impactful, data-driven insights to the world’s investors with $678B of capital responsibility. Mr. Randel spent over 13 years leading the corporate and investment finance and accounting teams and was the CFO for the lead up and execution of the company’s initial public offering in 2020.

Previously, Mr. Randel held the role of Chief Financial Officer and Chief Operating Officer at Citigroup Private Equity overseeing financial and operational activities for the company and its coinvestment, mezzanine, and fund of fund investment programs. Mr. Randel also held a previous role as Assistant Treasurer within Citigroup Inc.’s Treasury department where he managed rating agency relationships and fixed income client relations. Mr. Randel also held various finance roles supporting corporate finance and strategy over the course of his career. Mr. Randel received his B.G.S. from the University of Kansas and MBA from the University of Southern California.

Matt Cravets

Mr. Cravets is an industry leader in biostatistics with extensive experience in program design and analysis. He currently serves as the Senior Vice President of Biometrics at Gossamer Bio. Prior to joining Gossamer Bio, Mr. Cravets was Vice President of Biometrics at Heron Therapeutics Inc. from 2016 to 2018, where he played a key role in the late-stage development programs for Zynrelef for the treatment post-surgical pain and Cinvanti for the prevention of chemotherapy induced nausea and vomiting. Before joining Heron, Mr. Cravets was Executive Director of Biometrics at Receptos Inc. from 2014 to 2016, where he built the biostatistics and data management functions while contributing to mid- and late-stage development programs for ozanimod (Zeposia) in multiple sclerosis (MS) and inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD). Before joining Receptos, Mr. Cravets was the head of biostatistics at Ardea Biosciences from 2011-2014, building the biostatistics function while also making significant contributions to the designs and analyses of late-stage studies of lesinurad (Zurampic) for the treatment of gout. From 2003-2011 Mr. Cravets served in roles of increasing responsibility in the biostatistics group at Biogen Idec Inc., contributing to the successful regulatory approvals of rituximab (Rituxan) in both rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). From 1996 to 2003, Mr. Cravets was in the biostatistics group at Amgen, Inc., working on multiple products across various neurology, rheumatology, cardiovascular, and bone disease indications. Mr. Cravets began his career in the pharmaceutical products division of Abbott Laboratories in 1994 after completing his master’s degree in statistics at the University of Michigan and his bachelor’s degree in mathematics at UCLA.

Latha Satish, M.Sc., M.Phil, Ph.D.

Dr. Satish is a trained biotechnologist with several years of experience in cell and molecular biology. Dr. Satish’s interest has been in skin research with a special focus on skin inflammation, infection, and fibrosis. The other arm of Dr. Satish’s research has been to study the molecular determinants of palmar fascial disease, Dupuytren’s contracture.

Her long-term interest has been to develop therapeutic agents to help alleviate the pain and distress of patients with Dupuytren’s. Her studies on Dupuytren’s disease were funded by a private donor, which moved the research forward to study this disease in an animal model, which was not feasible earlier. Dr. Satish’s research on Dupuytren has identified small molecules that can be used as a target to intervene with the progression and development of the disease.

Dr. Satish received her Ph.D. from a prestigious institute in India and did her post-doctoral training at the University of Pittsburgh. Currently, Dr. Satish serves as a faculty at the Division of Asthma Research, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital; named as the top hospital in the US. At Cincinnati Children’s, Dr. Satish researches Atopic Dermatitis, a chronic inflammatory skin disease affecting children and adults. Dr. Satish has published over 50 articles in peer-reviewed journals, review articles and book chapters.

Dr. Keith Denkler

Dr. Denkler is an accomplished, board certified plastic surgeon with expertise in aesthetic and reconstructive surgery. Dr. Denkler is a clinical professor of plastic surgery at UCSF and has a private practice in Marin County.

He is internationally renowned for his use of multiple approaches in treating the debilitating and disabling effects of palmar fibromatosis (Dupuytren disease). Dr. Denkler is an expert in needle aponeurotomy (NA), a minimally invasive procedure that uses subcutaneous needles to release the contracture as well as use of subcutaneous injection of collagenase. He has treated over 10,000 Dupuytren’s fingers, authored >35 publications and book chapters, presented internationally and domestically and is often cited for expert opinion in national and international news discussing Dupuytren’s. HIs pioneering investigational work documenting the safety of epinephrine with local anesthesia contributed to the origination of “wide-awake hand surgery”.

Dr. Denkler trained at prestigious medical institutions in the United States and Europe. He attended Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, Texas, followed by residency training in plastic and reconstructive surgery with the Cronin, Bauer, and Biggs group, also in Houston. Additionally, Dr. Denkler completed a hand surgery fellowship with Dr. Eugene Kilgore in San Francisco and one year of fellowship training in craniofacial surgery with Dr. Paul Tessier in Paris, France.

Dr. daiva bajorunas

Daiva Bajorunas MD is an endocrinologist with more than 25 years of experience in the biopharmaceutical industry.  She has a strong interest in advancing therapeutic options for conditions of significant unmet medical need. 

For the past decade, Daiva has been engaged as a consultant to the pharmaceutical industry, currently as Founder and Principal, DBMD Consulting, and previously as Chief Medical Officer / Chief Scientific Officer for Vault Bioventures. She has provided her expertise to enhance large, mid-size and small pharmaceutical company product development, clinical/regulatory, and life cycle strategies for both drugs and devices, including oral, transdermal, injectable and inhalative delivery systems, working across multiple therapeutic areas and geographies. She has considerable experience chairing Data Safety Monitoring Boards.   

In the past she held various R&D positions of increasing responsibility at Rhone-Poulenc Rorer, BMS, Aventis (acquired by Sanofi), and Kos Pharmaceuticals (acquired by Abbott). Before she joined industry, she held academic appointments at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center and Cornell University Medical College (CUMC), and was Director of Clinical Care, Endocrinology Service, Memorial Hospital (MH), New York, NY. Daiva received her MD degree at the University of Michigan Medical School, did her residency training at St. Vincent’s Hospital & Medical Center in NY, her metabolism fellowship at Stanford University Medical Center, CA and her endocrinology fellowship at MH/CUMC, NY.