Tvardi Therapeutics reported Phase I data for TTI-109, a next-generation oral STAT3 inhibitor built as a phosphate prodrug of TTI-101. The company said the program rebounded after the earlier Phase II failure in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), where TTI-101 was linked to gastrointestinal tolerability issues. In the update, Tvardi highlighted that TTI-109 maintained potency in Phase I without the GI safety problems observed with its parent compound. The result is intended to expand the feasibility of targeting the STAT3 pathway with improved delivery and tolerability. The stock reaction reflected heightened investor expectations for the broadened clinical path for the STAT3 program, with the prior Phase II readout serving as the key negative comparator.