Kymera Therapeutics has developed KT-579, a potent and selective IRF5 degrader as a novel approach for treating systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and Sjögren disease.

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic autoimmune disorder characterized by dysregulation in humoral immunity and sustained activation of B cells and autoantibody release, where BAFF (B-cell activating factor) and APRIL (a proliferation-inducing ligand) play crucial roles in B-cell differentiation and survival. Genescience Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd. has released data for its dual BAFF and APRIL inhibitor Gensci-136 for the treatment of SLE.

Turn Therapeutics Inc. made public strongly positive findings from an interim analysis that involves the first 50 subjects in the ongoing phase II atopic dermatitis (AD) trial with IL-36 inhibitor GX-03.

Apogee Therapeutics Inc. loaded up on what could total as much as $1.3 billion in financial fuel from Blackstone Life Sciences funds that will be used to propel zumilokibart (zumi), which yielded positive phase II results in atopic dermatitis (AD). A phase III experiment with the anti-IL-13 antibody is planned for the second half of this year, pending talks with regulators.

Cell therapy based on fibroblasts has shown promise in the treatment of psoriasis due to immune modulation capability and strong expansion when cultured. Work at Fibrobiologics Inc. has focused on the impact of culture format and donors of human dermal fibroblasts (HDFs) on the therapeutic efficacy and immune responses in murine models of psoriasis.

Recludix Pharma Inc. recently presented data on their new STAT1/3 inhibitors REX-6553 and REX-6547 for treating dermatological inflammatory skin diseases.

Netherton syndrome is a rare disease caused by loss of activity of the lympho-epithelial Kazal-type-related inhibitor (LEKTI) protein, which in turn is caused by mutations in its encoding gene, SPINK5. This deficiency leads to the triggering of the kallikrein (KLK) signaling cascade resulting in skin barrier dysfunction, inflammation and atopy. At the recent Society for Investigative Dermatology meeting, Biocryst Pharmaceuticals Inc. presented early data on BCX-17725, a KLK5/KLK14 inhibitor fusion protein developed to restore LEKTI functioning in patients with Netherton syndrome.

Scientists at the La Jolla Institute for Immunology have identified and characterized human antibodies that neutralize the measles virus by blocking its entry into the cell. This is the first time that antibodies have been shown to bind effectively to two essential viral proteins, creating a dual blockade that prevents infection. Unlike the current vaccine, which is based on an attenuated virus and is not recommended for immunocompromised individuals, these monoclonal antibodies could be used both as a new vaccine approach and as a treatment for the entire population.