Targeting Oxalate Production by Combining Enzyme Inhibition and Proteolysis Activation: A Novel Therapeutic Approach for Primary Hyperoxaluria Type 1

Abstract

Primary hyperoxaluria type 1 (PH1) is a rare genetic disorder caused by hepatic oxalate overproduction due to alanine-glyoxylate aminotransferase (AGXT) deficiency. Therapeutic strategies targeting glycolate oxidase (GO) and lactate dehydrogenase A (LDHA), key enzymes in glyoxylate metabolism, have shown promise in reducing oxalate burden. However, recently approved siRNA therapies remain limited by high cost, unfavorable pharmacokinetics, and limited global accessibility. We report the development of compound 2, a dual GO/LDHA inhibitor (Ki = 390 and 40 nM, respectively) that also promotes hydrophobic tag-mediated autophagic degradation of LDHA. Its efficacy was evaluated in Agxt–/– mice, both in primary hepatocytes and through oral administration. Treatment significantly reduced hepatic LDHA levels, urinary oxalate excretion, and renal calcium-oxalate crystal deposition. These findings support compound 2 as a first-in-class, orally bioavailable small molecule with dual inhibitory and proteolytic activity, offering a novel therapeutic candidate for PH1 and other oxalate-related pathologies.