Bowave Pharmaceuticals Announces First-in-Human Dosing of BW-41012, an siRNA Therapeutic Targeting Factor XI for Thromboembolic Disorders

On July 20, 2026, Argo Biopharma Co., Ltd. (hereinafter referred to as “Argo Biopharma” or the “Company”) announced that the first subject in its Phase I clinical study in Australia has been dosed with BW-41012, an investigational small interfering RNA (siRNA) therapeutic targeting coagulation factor XI (FXI) for the prevention of thromboembolic diseases. The drug has also received Investigational New Drug (IND) approval from the China National Medical Products Administration (NMPA), paving the way for the gradual initiation of global clinical trials.

Dr. Shu Dongxu, Co-founder and CEO of Argo Biopharma, stated, “The dosing of the first subject with BW-41012 marks a significant milestone in the development of our RNAi product pipeline and further advances our efforts in the critical field of thromboembolic diseases. I am firmly convinced that targeting coagulation factor XI holds the promise of providing new therapeutic options for various thromboembolic conditions, including deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, and ischemic stroke. We are actively advancing our global clinical development program to comprehensively evaluate its clinical potential, and we look forward to sharing more progress as our clinical studies continue to move forward.”

The Phase I clinical trial of BW-41012 is a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, single ascending dose study designed to evaluate the safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics, and pharmacodynamics of subcutaneous injection in healthy subjects. The trial will measure safety and biomarkers of biological activity, including clinical laboratory results, vital signs, electrocardiogram parameters, FXI activity, and FXI antigen levels, to characterize the pharmacological profile of BW-41012 and provide a basis for subsequent development aimed at the prevention or treatment of thromboembolic diseases.

On Thromboembolic Diseases

Thromboembolic disorders are caused by the formation of blood clots that obstruct blood vessels, leading to severe and potentially life-threatening complications, including deep vein thrombosis (DVT), pulmonary embolism (PE), ischemic stroke, and other thrombotic conditions. Although current anticoagulant therapies are effective in reducing thrombotic events, their use is often limited by an increased risk of bleeding. Coagulation factor XI has emerged as a promising therapeutic target, with the potential to provide effective antithrombotic protection while minimizing the risk of bleeding.