Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), including ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease, is a chronic immune-mediated inflammatory disorder with limited long-term therapeutic options. Proteolysis-targeting chimeras (PROTACs) offer a promising strategy for IBD by enabling selective degradation of disease-relevant proteins and potentially improving efficacy and safety.
Enveda has obtained IND clearance from the FDA and initiated a phase I trial of ENV-6946, a first-in-class oral small molecule for the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease, including ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease.
Researchers from the Medical School of Nanjing University hypothesized that in ulcerative colitis, the gut-resident macrophages may be compromised, leading to impaired integrity of the epithelial barrier. “From a basic science standpoint, our work uncovers a novel etiology of ulcerative colitis. From a translational perspective, it identifies a promising therapeutic target, potentially paving the way for developing effective drugs to treat or even cure the disease,” senior author Minsheng Zhu told BioWorld.
Eilean Therapeutics LLC has presented in vivo data for its first-in-class MALT1 degrader, TE-205, as a disease-modifying therapy for ulcerative colitis.
Arcus Biosciences Inc. has announced five new research programs for autoimmune and inflammatory diseases, and is targeting initiation of the first clinical studies next year.
Haisco Pharmaceutical Group Co. Ltd. has identified pyridone derivatives acting as integrin α4β7 (LPAM-1) antagonists reported to be useful for the treatment of Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis.
Onco3r Therapeutics BV has obtained clinical trial application (CTA) approval by the Belgian regulatory authorities for its SIK3 inhibitor O3R-5671. A first-in-human trial will be conducted in Belgium and is expected to open enrollment in the coming weeks. Final data are expected in the first half of next year and will inform subsequent patient trials across a range of autoimmune diseases, which are planned to commence next year.
Gilead Sciences Inc. recently discussed the discovery of emvistegrast (GS-1427), a potent, selective, once-daily oral α4β7 integrin inhibitor currently in phase II trials for the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) (NCT06290934).
Equillium Inc. has entered into a definitive securities purchase agreement with health care investors that will provide up to $50 million in gross proceeds to Equillium. The private placement will enable the company to advance its selective aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) modulator EQ-504 into the clinic.
Formation Bio Inc. has licensed worldwide rights to Imidomics Inc.’s potentially first-in-class anti-CD226 monoclonal antibody (mAb). The program has received IND clearance and will be advanced by Formation Bio in autoimmune indications, starting with ulcerative colitis.
