A team at the Korea Research Institute of Chemical Technology has synthesized tetrahydroisoquinoline- or isoindoline-substituted [1,2,4]triazolo[1,5-a]pyridine derivatives acting as tyrosine-protein kinase JAK1 inhibitors.
The classic origin story for a biotech startup is that of a scientist who nurtures his work out of a university and to commercial success. For Link Biologics Ltd. and its TSG6-based pipeline, the story is the other way around; it began with now-CEO Reuben Dawkins meeting University of Manchester scientists Tony Day and Caroline Milner while he was on the lookout for “great science that needs help to make it to patients.” The three are now co-founders of Link, which spun out of the University of Manchester in 2021 and has four programs in three indications, all based on TSG-6 biology.
Evotec SE has announced the nomination of a small-molecule preclinical development candidate from its multi-target drug discovery alliance in medical dermatology with Almirall SA. The program is aimed at developing novel treatments for immune-mediated inflammatory skin diseases with high unmet medical need. The collaboration, established in 2022, leverages Evotec’s fully integrated, AI/machine learning enhanced discovery and preclinical development platforms.
Ono Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd. has synthesized bridged bicyclic compounds acting as endosomal/lysosomal proton channel TMEM175 activators. As such, they are described as potentially useful for the treatment of inflammatory disorders, lysosomal storage diseases, autoimmune disease and Parkinson’s disease.
Activating the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) in immune cells enhances anti-inflammatory pathways and limits pathogenic immune responses. Equillium Inc. has recently presented data for their AhR agonist EQ-504 for the potential treatment of immune-related diseases.
A new molecule combines the action of two incretins, GLP-1 and GIP, hormones that regulate glucose and appetite, with lanifibranor, a triple agonist of peroxisome proliferator activated receptors (PPAR α/γ/δ). GLP-1-GIP-Lani enables targeted delivery of the PPAR agonist to cells that express incretin receptors, enhancing weight loss, improving glucose control and reducing inflammation in obese mice. In these models, it surpassed the effects of GLP-1 receptor agonists such as semaglutide and GLP-1-GIP co-agonists such as tirzepatide in reducing body weight, improving glycemic control and enhancing metabolic outcomes during active treatment.
Foshan Ionova Biotherapeutics Co. Ltd. has discovered new interleukin-17A (IL-17A) inhibitors potentially useful for the treatment of inflammatory disorders.
The combination of impaired epithelial barrier function, mucosal inflammation and elevated oxidative stress is determinant for the pathogenesis of ulcerative colitis (UC). NF-E2-related factor 2 (NRF2) is an important transcription factor for modulating antioxidant defenses, inhibiting inflammatory pathways and regenerating the epithelial barrier. Montai Therapeutics Inc. has developed a potent and selective NRF2 agonist compound, MTAI-1025, for the management of UC using its proprietary CONECTA platform.
Anaptysbio Inc. announced in September of 2025 that it planned to separate its drug development business from the royalties it receives on Jemperli (dostarlimab) from GSK plc and imsidolimab from Vanda Pharmaceuticals Inc. Just seven months later, on April 20, 2026, well ahead of its “year-end 2026” goal, First Tracks Biotherapeutics Inc., the drug development arm of the company, started trading as a standalone company on Nasdaq under the ticker symbol TRAX.
Jiangsu Vcare Pharmatech Co. Ltd. has described interleukin-17A (IL-17A) inhibitors reported to be useful for the treatment of psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis and spondyloarthritis.