Abigail Brooks is an assistant managing editor for 

She joined MJH Life Sciences in August 2023 shortly after graduating from Monmouth University where she earned her BA in Communication with a concentration in Public Relations/Journalism and later an MA in Interactive Digital Media. She enjoys traveling, running, and reading books. She can be reached at abrooks@mjhlifesciences.com.

Devonian Health Group has announced positive results from a follow-up preclinical study evaluating Thykamine™ in a human metabolic-associated steatohepatitis (MASH) model using PhysioMimix® Liver-on-a-Chip platform. The study was conducted by CN Bio Innovations, Cambridge, UK.

As described in a February 19, 2026, release from the Company, the study demonstrates that Thykamine™ exerts dose-dependent effects on key pathological hallmarks of MASH, including fibrosis and inflammation, in a physiologically relevant human liver system, representing a notable translational bridge between Devonian’s previously disclosed efficacy in the mouse STAM® MASH model and a predictive human microphysiological model.

“These findings show that Thykamine™ does more than modulate individual biomarkers—it impacts the core biological processes that define MASH, including fibrosis and inflammation,” André Boulet, PhD, Chief Executive Officer of Devonian, said in a statement. “Together with our previously reported mouse STAM® data, this study strengthens the translational rationale for Thykamine™ as a potential disease-modifying therapeutic candidate.”

Currently, the MASH treatment landscape comprises 2 US Food and Drug Administration approved therapies, resmetirom (Rezdiffra) and semaglutide (Wegovy), with several other agents currently in the pipeline.

Thykamine™, the first pharmaceutical product issued from Devonian’s SUPREX™ platform, aims to prevent and treat health conditions related to inflammation and oxidative stress, including ulcerative colitis, atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, rheumatoid arthritis, and other autoimmune disorders. The anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidative and immunomodulatory properties of Thykamine™ have been demonstrated by multiple in vitro and in vivo studies as well as in a phase 2a clinical study in patients with mild-to-moderate distal ulcerative colitis and in a large phase 2 study in adult patients with mild-to-moderate atopic dermatitis.

Thykamine™ was evaluated at 4 low concentrations of 0.025, 0.05, 0.1, and 0.2 mg/mL over a 14-day treatment period in a dynamic, triple-cell liver model incorporating primary human hepatocytes, Kupffer cells, and hepatic stellate cells under continuous microfluidic flow to induce a MASH phenotype. Elafibranor, a clinically advanced compound previously evaluated in MASH clinical trials, was included as a reference positive control (20 uM), alongside a vehicle control.

Results showed Thykamine™ produced a clear, dose-dependent reduction in fibrosis-associated biomarkers, including pro-collagen and TIMP-1, with the strongest effects observed at 0.1 and 0.2 mg/mL. Confocal imaging additionally confirmed a significant decrease in Type I collagen deposition, indicating attenuation of one of the core structural features of fibrotic MASH. At higher doses, the magnitude of collagen reduction was greater than that observed with elafibranor under identical experimental conditions.

Thykamine™ also induced a dose-dependent reduction in pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-6 and IL-8 at later time points, reflecting an effect on inflammatory pathways known to contribute to hepatocellular injury and disease progression in MASH. Of note, LDH levels remained low throughout the study, with no evidence of drug-induced liver injury. Observed changes in albumin production were not associated with cytotoxicity and will be further investigated.

In the release, Devonian described plans to advance additional preclinical studies to further characterize Thykamine™’s disease-modifying potential and support continued development in MASH and other fibrotic diseases.

Devonian. Devonian Reports Human Liver-on-a-Chip Data Demonstrating Disease-Relevant Modulation of MASH by Thykamine™, with Dose-Dependent Anti-Fibrotic and Anti-Inflammatory Effects. February 19, 2026. Accessed February 19, 2026. 

https://groupedevonian.com/devonian-reports-human-liver-on-a-chip-data-demonstrating-disease-relevant-modulation-of-mash-by-thykamine-with-dose-dependent-anti-fibrotic-and-anti-inflammatory-effects/

Brooks A. FDA Approves Semaglutide (Wegovy) Injection 2.4 mg for Noncirrhotic MASH. 

. August 15, 2025. Accessed February 19, 2026. 

https://www.hcplive.com/view/fda-approves-semaglutide-wegovy-injection-2-4-mg-for-noncirrhotic-mash

Brooks A. Resmetirom (Rezdiffra) Receives Historic FDA Approval for Noncirrhotic NASH. HCPLive. March 14, 2024. Accessed February 19, 2026. 

https://www.hcplive.com/view/resmetirom-rezdiffra-receives-historic-fda-approval-for-noncirrhotic-nash

Articles

Devonian Health Group reported follow-up preclinical data showing Thykamine™ produced dose-dependent anti-fibrotic and anti-inflammatory activity in a human MASH model using the PhysioMimix® Liver-on-a-Chip system. In a 14-day, triple-cell microfluidic liver construct, Thykamine reduced fibrosis biomarkers (pro-collagen, TIMP-1) and decreased Type I collagen deposition on confocal imaging, with higher doses exceeding elafibranor’s effect. IL-6 and IL-8 declined at later time points, while LDH remained low without evidence of drug-induced injury.

Positive results from a follow-up preclinical study of Thykamine show dose-dependent effects on key pathological hallmarks of MASH.

News

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Clinical

clinical page is a resource for content on every specialty, disease, and topic available on our medical news site.

Hepatology

MASH / MASLD

The HCPLive MASH & MASLD page is a comprehensive resource for clinical news and insights on metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease and steatohepatitis. This page consists of interviews, articles, podcasts, and videos on the research, treatment and development of therapies for fatty liver disease, steatohepatitis, and more.

Thykamine Shows Disease-Modifying Potential in MASH Using Liver-on-a-Chip Platform

YolTech Therapeutics has announced positive interim data from an investigator-initiated trial (IIT) of YOLT-202, the Company’s investigational 

 base editing therapy, for the treatment of 

As described in a February 19, 2026, press release, findings demonstrated positive safety and tolerability as well as meaningful increases in AAT levels in evaluated patients treated with the 35 mg and 45 mg dose levels.

“These interim findings mark an exciting and important milestone for YolTech and for patients living with severe AATD. The rapid, robust, and dose‑dependent increases in functional AAT levels observed in this study—particularly among individuals with the PiZZ genotype—underscore the transformative potential of 

 base editing as a one‑time treatment approach,” Yuxuan Wu, MD, Founder and CEO of YolTech Therapeutics, said in a statement.

“Equally encouraging is the favorable safety profile we have seen to date, which reinforces the precision and thoughtful engineering behind YOLT‑202.”

 gene-editing therapy that corrects PiZ mutation to PiM for the treatment of AATD. It is engineered to achieve on-target editing with minimal bystander activity. YOLT-202 has previously been granted Orphan Drug Designation by the US FDA, and the Company is currently preparing to file an Investigational New Drug Application with the FDA to support clinical development of YOLT-202.

YOLT-202 is being evaluated in a first-in-human, open-label, single dose escalation study in adult AATD patients, aiming to evaluate safety and tolerability. As of February 6, 2026, 2 participants genetically confirmed as PiZZ genotype were enrolled and dosed with YOLT-202 in both the 35 mg and 45 mg dose groups.

Following administration of YOLT-202, both patients showed rapid, robust and dose-dependent increases in AAT level as early as week 1. Of note, AAT levels in both patients reached above the protective threshold of 11 μM.

Results additionally showed AAT levels increased to normal range (>20 μM) in the 45 mg dose group. These newly produced AAT proteins were both structurally corrected (M-AAT) and functional, with the proportion of corrected M-AAT increasing to >95% in the 45 mg dose group.

YOLT-202 demonstrated favorable safety and tolerability with manageable adverse events (AEs), the most common being infusion-related reaction. No severe AEs or AEs leading to discontinuation of YOLT-202 were reported, and all AEs were classified as Grade 1. Elevation of alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase were asymptomatic, mild, and soon recovered without medication.

The ongoing IIT study is evaluating single doses administered via intravenous infusion of YOLT-202 at 35 mg, 45 mg and 55 mg dose levels. In the release, YolTech described plans to file an IND with the FDA to support the global clinical development of YOLT-202 in AATD.

“With these results in hand, we are more confident than ever in YOLT‑202’s potential to redefine the treatment paradigm for AATD, and we look forward to advancing this program toward an Investigational New Drug (IND) filing with the U.S. FDA as we continue our mission to bring durable, life‑changing therapies to patients,” Wu said.

YolTech Therapeutics. YolTech Therapeutics Announces Positive Interim Data on YOLT-202 for the Treatment of Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency. February 19, 2026. Accessed February 19, 2026. 

https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260219197004/en/YolTech-Therapeutics-Announces-Positive-Interim-Data-on-YOLT-202-for-the-Treatment-of-Alpha-1-Antitrypsin-Deficiency

YolTech Therapeutics. YolTech Receives U.S. FDA ODD for YOLT-202 in Treating AATD. April 10, 2025. Accessed February 19, 2026. 

https://www.yoltx.com/news/press-release/84

YolTech reported interim first-in-human IIT data for YOLT-202, an in vivo base-editing therapy designed to convert the PiZ mutation to PiM in severe AATD. Two PiZZ participants received single IV doses (35 mg, 45 mg) and showed rapid, dose-dependent AAT rises by week 1, exceeding the 11 μM protective threshold; the 45 mg dose achieved >20 μM and >95% corrected, functional M-AAT. Safety was favorable with only Grade 1 events, mainly infusion reactions and transient mild transaminase elevations.  

Interim data from the investigator-initiated trial showed treatment with a single dose of YOLT-202 led to rapid, dose-dependent increases in AAT levels to normal range.

Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency

Single Dose YOLT-202 Gene-Editing Therapy Increases Functional AAT Levels in AATD

Muthiah Vaduganathan, MD, MPH, is a cardiologist specializing in cardiorenal metabolism at Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston, MA. Vaduganathan is a member of Practical Cardiology's advisory board and co-host of Don't Miss a Beat, a podcast presented by Inside Cardiology.

CKD Guidelines and Adherence Across Specialties

CKD Guidelines and Adherence Across Specialties,’ the panelists explore the following questions:

What are the differences between the current guideline (ie, NKF, KDIGO 2025, ADA) recommendations for CKD diagnosis and staging in clinical practice?

How are these guidelines applied in practice across specialists such as primary care, nephrology, cardiology, and endocrinology?

Can you comment on guideline adherence across primary care and specialties including nephrologists, cardiologists, endocrinologists?

How can guideline adherence be elevated in clinical practice to improve CKD care?


The panelists examine how clinicians can navigate the many overlapping guidelines related to diagnosing chronic kidney disease (CKD), emphasizing that there is strong consistency rather than contradiction across professional societies. They highlight that the KDIGO framework—integrating eGFR and albuminuria (uACR) in a heat map staging system—is broadly endorsed across cardiology, endocrinology, diabetes, and hypertension guidelines and provides critical insight into both kidney and cardiovascular risk. Despite this consensus, the panel underscores a major gap between guidelines and real-world practice, noting that only a minority of eligible patients currently receive recommended CKD screening. The discussion concludes with practical strategies to improve diagnosis at scale, including clinician education on uACR, leveraging EHR and AI tools, shared accountability across specialties, and a proactive, public health–focused approach to preventing progression to end-stage kidney disease.

The next episode in this series, ‘Quality of Life Impact of Delayed CKD Diagnosis,’ features the panelists advancing their conversation on chronic kidney disease and focusing on how early detection provides a modifiable opportunity to deploy risk-mitigating therapies before patients face the profound emotional, physical, and mortality risks associated with dialysis and end-stage disease. The experts emphasize that treating CKD early not only preserves kidney function but acts as a critical multiplier for reducing systemic cardiovascular complications and improving long-term quality of life.

Videos

Experts explain how uACR and eGFR testing reveals hidden CKD, links to heart risk, and guides early, patient-centered care.

Video Series

Abraham Kazemi, MD, is the director of Cosmetic and Laser Dermatology for Virginia’s Pinnacle Dermatology sites.

Addressing Discoid Lupus in Skin of Color: Clinical and Social Challenges

, Abrahem Kazemi, MD, board-certified dermatologist and director of cosmetics and laser dermatology for Pinnacle Dermatology, reflects on a challenging yet ultimately rewarding case that underscores the intersection of dermatology, systemic disease, and social determinants of health. Through the lens of a young, underinsured African American man with early signs of discoid lupus erythematosus (DLE), Kazemi illustrates the complexities of delivering equitable dermatologic care in vulnerable populations.

Kazemi recounts that the patient initially presented with scalp sores, scarring, and hair loss—clinical features suggestive of early DLE, a subtype of chronic cutaneous lupus erythematosus. On closer examination, he identified atrophic, depigmented plaques within the conchal bowls of the ears, further supporting the diagnosis. Recognizing the potential for permanent scarring alopecia and disfiguring dyspigmentation—particularly devastating in skin of color—Kazemi acted swiftly. He performed multiple punch biopsies, ordered comprehensive laboratory testing including autoimmune panels and standard bloodwork, and initiated treatment with intralesional corticosteroids, oral doxycycline, and topical steroids tailored for facial and body involvement.

Despite early diagnostic confirmation of DLE on biopsy, the case quickly became more complicated. Kazemi emphasized DLE may precede or coexist with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), which occurs in a minority, but clinically significant, subset of individuals. He stressed the importance of ruling out systemic involvement, particularly given the increased risk of lupus nephritis and severe renal outcomes in African American populations. However, the patient did not initially complete recommended laboratory work and was inconsistent with follow-up visits and medication adherence.

When the patient’s disease worsened, Kazemi confronted what initially appeared to be noncompliance. Upon further discussion, the patient revealed unstable housing and frequent transitions between shelters, limiting his ability to maintain consistent treatment or appointments. Recognizing that the issue was not apathy but structural instability, Kazemi expanded the care team. He personally contacted the patient’s Medicaid provider to identify an in-network rheumatologist, coordinated care despite a six-month specialist wait time, initiated hydroxychloroquine therapy himself, and ultimately convened a multidisciplinary meeting with social work, rheumatology, and primary care.

Over time, with coordinated support and stabilization of the patient’s living conditions, adherence improved. Kazemi reports that the patient’s cutaneous disease is now well controlled and, importantly, that systemic lupus was ruled out.

The segment highlights a central message: dermatology is not “skin deep.” Kazemi’s account reinforces the need for clinicians to address both medical complexity and social barriers to achieve meaningful outcomes, particularly in patients with skin of color facing disproportionate health and socioeconomic challenges.

Editor’s note: This summary was produced with the help of AI tools.

Kazemi A. Skin of Color Savvy: Serving the Underserved in Dermatology, With Abrahem Kazemi, MD. HCPLive. February 16, 2026. Accessed February 18, 2026. 

https://www.hcplive.com/view/skin-of-color-savvy-serving-underserved-dermatology-abrahem-kazemi-md

Kazemi A. Daily Challenges as a Dermatologist Helping Underserved Patients. HCPLive. February 17, 2026. Accessed February 18, 2026. 

https://www.hcplive.com/view/daily-challenges-as-dermatologist-helping-underserved-patients

This segment of the latest Skin of Color Savvy episode highlights discoid lupus in skin of color, housing barriers, and Medicaid navigation.

Dermatology

The HCPLive dermatology page is a resource for medical news and expert insights on skin disease. This page features expert-led coverage, articles, videos and research on the therapies and development of treatments for dermatologic conditions, and more.

Skin of Color Savvy: The Art and Science of Treating Patients of Color

Hosted by Skin of Color Society and produced by HCPLive, 

 delves into the latest research, clinical insights, and culturally intelligent care practices in dermatology with leading experts. 

Whether it’s groundbreaking research, practice-changing insights, or highlights from the SOCS community, this twice-monthly program provides dermatologists and care providers with expert perspectives on treating patients with skin of color.

Addressing Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) Prevalence and Patient Awareness in Cardiorenal Metabolic Care

Welcome back to another HCPLive Peer Exchange series. In this episode titled, ‘Addressing Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) Prevalence and Patient Awareness in Cardiorenal Metabolic Care’, the moderator, Dr. Muthiah Vaduganathan, leads the conversation about the following questions:

How prevalent is chronic kidney disease (CKD) in your patient population, and which comorbidities most commonly coexist at the time of presentation?

How do you communicate with patients who have type 2 diabetes or cardiovascular disease and are often unaware of CKD as a comorbidity, and how do you improve their understanding of the associated risks?

Panelists, Dr. Nihar Desai, Dr. Pamela Kushner, and Dr. Craig Beavers, highlight that CKD prevalence in high-risk populations—particularly those with overlapping diabetes, hypertension, and obesity—can reach as high as 20% to 40%, far exceeding the national average. The experts emphasize the "silent" nature of the disease, noting a significant gap between clinical diagnosis and patient awareness, which often leads to emotional distress when the condition is finally disclosed. To improve literacy and empower patients, the speakers advocate for an integrated Cardiorenal Metabolic framework, using proactive testing (such as uACR and eGFR) and gentle, transparent communication to link kidney health directly to cardiovascular outcomes. Finally, they underscore that formalizing a CKD diagnosis is not only vital for individual treatment escalation but also critical for informing public policy and securing community health resources.

In the next episode, ‘CKD Guidelines and Adherence Across Specialties’, panelists will continue their discussion on chronic kidney disease and highlight that while clinical guidelines are remarkably consistent in advocating for the KDIGO "heat map" and combined eGFR/uACR testing, a significant implementation gap remains with only 20% of high-risk patients being properly screened. They argue for a unified "cardiorenal metabolic" ownership model that leverages EHR tools and simplified patient analogies to bridge this gap and prioritize proactive, guideline-directed care.

Learn how uACR and eGFR uncover hidden CKD, sharpen cardiovascular risk, and guide patient-friendly conversations for earlier, smarter care.

Targeting CD28 and CD154 pathways, dual blockade with belatacept and dazodalibep offers a new mechanistic approach in kidney transplant care.

Nephrology

The HCPLive nephrology page is a resource for medical news and expert insights on kidney disease. This page features expert-led coverage, articles, videos and research on the therapies and development of treatments in nephrology, and more.

Mechanistic Rationale for Dual Costimulation Blockade, Belatacept, Dazodalibep in Kidney Transplantation

Ahmad Anouti, MD, is a pediatric resident at the University of Texas Southwestern in the Physician Scientist Training Program.

Anouti outlines why early bilirubin testing and emerging serum markers are key to improving prognosis in biliary atresia.

Advancing Prognostic Tools in Biliary Atresia Care, With Ahmad Anouti, MD

Nina Ajmone Marsan, MD, is a research fellow in the department of cardiology at Leiden University Medical Center.

Marsan and Santi discuss their recent study highlighting the need for lower LVESVi thresholds in aortic valve surgery in women to reduce mortality outcomes.

Cardiology

Cardiology condition center page is a comprehensive resource for clinical news and insights on cardiovascular and cardiometabolic diseases. This page consists of interviews, articles, podcasts, and videos on the research, treatment and development of therapies for heart disease and cardiovascular events, as well as associated diabetes, renal failure, and more...

Female Patients With AR Exhibit Lower Mortality LVESVi Thresholds, With Nina Marsan, MD, and Pilar Santi, MD

A large specialty pharmacy cohort supports sustained reductions in attack rates across HAE subtypes, including normal C1 inhibitor disease.

Allergy

Allergy condition center page is a comprehensive resource for clinical news and insights on allergic and inflammatory diseases. This page consists of interviews, articles, podcasts, and videos on the research, treatment and development of therapies for food and seasonal allergies, as well as allergic asthma and related conditions.

Real-World HAE Control with Berotralstat at 18 Months, With Raffi Tachdjian, MD

Chelsie Derman is an associate editor for 

who covers psychiatry, sleep medicine, geriatrics, migraine, and allergy. She joined MJH Life Sciences in September 2023 after graduating from The College of New Jersey with a bachelor’s degree in journalism and professional writing. In her free time, she enjoys creative writing and reading.

Updated international guidance reinforces early self-administered on-demand therapy and integrates newer kallikrein-targeted agents into routine HAE management.


Pediatric HAE Guideline Recommends Sebetralstat as First-Line Therapy

Alan Buchman MD, MSPH, is a professor of Clinical Surgery and Medical Director of the Intestinal Rehabilitation and Transplant Center at the University of Illinois at Chicago and director of gastroenterology at Elevance Health.

New data show limited uptake of SBS-specific ICD-10 codes, raising concerns about misclassification and the true burden of disease.

Gastroenterology

Gastroenterology condition center page is a comprehensive resource for clinical news and insights on digestive and GI conditions. This page consists of interviews, articles, podcasts, and videos on the research, treatment and development of therapies for 

, IBS and IBD, Crohn's disease, and more.

ICD-10 Adoption and the True Burden of Short Bowel Syndrome, With Alan Buchman, MD, MSPH

Ryan Livingston joined the MJH Life Sciences team in March of 2025, shortly after graduating from TCNJ with a bachelor’s degree in English. He enjoys creative writing, reading, and scuba diving. He can be reached at rlivingston@mjhlifesciences.com.

These retrospective cohort studies also showed the vaccine’s reduction of heart attack, stroke, and asthma/COPD flare-ups in patients with RSV.

Pulmonology

Infectious Disease condition center page is a comprehensive resource for clinical news and insights on respiratory health. This page consists of interviews, articles, podcasts, and videos on the research, treatment and development of therapies for asthma, COPD, interstitial lung disease, COVID-19, and more.

Asthma

The HCPLive asthma page is a comprehensive resource for clinical news and insights on asthmatic disease. This page consists of interviews, articles, podcasts, and videos on the research, treatment and development of therapies for allergic and severe asthma, and more.

COPD

COPD condition center page, resources on the topics of medical news and expert insight into chronic obstructive pulmonary disease can be found. Content includes articles, interviews, videos, podcasts, and breaking news on COPD research, treatment, and drug development.

AREXVY Vaccine Reduces Hospitalization, Major Adverse Cardiovascular Events in RSV

Tim Smith joined the MJH Life Sciences team in 2022 and is currently an associate editor for HCPLive. He is also the executive producer of two podcasts: Skin of Color Savvy and The Medical Sisterhood. Previously, he was the producer of the Lungcast podcast. He graduated from UC Berkeley and worked in multimedia journalism as a staff writer prior to joining MJH. You can contact him at tsmith@mjhlifesciences.com.

These data, released by Lilly, suggest ixekizumab (Taltz) and tirzepatide (Zepbound) are more effective when used together versus ixekizumab monotherapy.

Plaque Psoriasis

The HCPLive plaque psoriasis page is a resource for medical news and expert insights on psoriasis. This page features expert-led coverage, articles, videos and research on the therapies and development of treatments for psoriatic disease, and more.

Ixekizumab, Tirzepatide Effective Together for Psoriasis and Obesity or Overweight

Ann Marie Navar, MD, PhD, is an associate professor of cardiology at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center.

Navar discusses the positive data from the phase 3 trial and emphasizes substantial treatment adherence throughout the 52-week period.

Dyslipidemia

CORALreef Lipids: Enlicitide Reduces LDL-C in Patients With ASCVD, With Ann Marie Navar, MD, PhD

Linda Stein Gold, MD, is a dermatologist at Henry Ford Health. 

Dermatology leaders preview 2026 breakthroughs including oral psoriasis drugs, new biologics, novel acne drugs, and AI tools transforming patient care.

Conference

 conference coverage page features articles, videos, and expert-led live coverage from major medical meetings throughout the year.

Latest News

Thykamine Shows Disease-Modifying Potential in MASH Using Liver-on-a-Chip Platform

Single Dose YOLT-202 Gene-Editing Therapy Increases Functional AAT Levels in AATD

CKD Guidelines and Adherence Across Specialties

Addressing Discoid Lupus in Skin of Color: Clinical and Social Challenges

Addressing Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) Prevalence and Patient Awareness in Cardiorenal Metabolic Care