Galmed unveils LNP cardiac-targeted Aramchol formulation with Barcode Nanotech
The companies developed a lipid nanoparticle version of Aramchol designed to reach heart tissue instead of the liver, according to a July 16, 2026 filing.
Galmed Pharmaceuticals disclosed on July 16, 2026 that it has, with partner Barcode Nanotech, developed a proprietary lipid nanoparticle formulation of Aramchol that penetrates heart tissue and redirects the drug's biodistribution away from the liver toward cardiac muscle.1
The company noted that the traditional Aramchol formulation accumulates 80-90% in the liver and has limited effect on the heart.1 By contrast, the new LNP formulation targeting heart tissue could potentially become a disease modifying therapy for cardiac fibrosis and unmet cardiac diseases, according to the company.1
Galmed said Aramchol's anti-fibrotic effects were previously shown in the liver during the open-label part of a Phase 3 MASH study, as well as in human heart organoids and in-vivo lung and heart models.1
On the technology, the filing explained that the LNP formulation is built on FDA-approved lipids and was developed through advanced formulation science, in vivo screening, and AI-enabled analysis aimed at identifying optimal vehicles for cardiac delivery.1 The platform used allows in vivo screening of hundreds of nanoparticle candidates to help identify formulations with improved targeting, biodistribution, and functional performance.1
Barcode Nanotech's Ronen Eavri said the companies are now focused on developing modified LNPs to target specific cardiac cell types.1
Galmed CEO Allen Baharaff said the company's present efforts are directed at commercializing CG-100, the technology from the recently acquired Colospan, and clinical development of Aramchol for GI oncology indications,1 while describing the Barcode collaboration as part of a longer-term vision for cardiometabolic disease therapies.
The release cautioned that statements about the collaboration and the new Aramchol formulation are forward-looking and subject to numerous risks detailed in Galmed's Annual Report on Form 20-F for the year ended December 31, 2025, filed with the SEC on March 31, 2026.1
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