Haisco Pharmaceutical Group Co. Ltd. has identified compounds acting as TNF-α/TNF receptor superfamily member 1A (TNFR1) interaction inhibitors reported to be useful for the treatment of psoriasis and rheumatoid arthritis.
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.
Recent evidence in atopic dermatitis (AD) points to the involvement of additional pro-inflammatory pathways besides core Th2 responses. Current therapeutic approaches that work target mostly the IL-4/IL-13 pathway, but the duration of response and depth could be improved.
Vitiligo is caused by autoreactive CD8+ T cells that react against skin melanocytes, where IL-15 has been shown to activate these T cells. Innovent Biologics (Suzhou) Co. Ltd. recently presented data on their monoclonal antibody (mAb) – IBI-3013 – that targets IL-15. IBI-3013 was evaluated in vitro in immune cell expansion and CD8 T-cell activation assays, as well as in vivo in a skin inflammation model and in a graft-vs.-host disease (GVHD) model.
Interleukin-1 receptor-associated kinase 4 (IRAK-4) is a modulator of IL-1 receptor and Toll-like receptor (TLR) signaling and has emerged as a promising therapeutic target for several inflammatory diseases. Gilead Sciences Inc. and Nurix Therapeutics Inc. recently presented data generated in a preclinical murine model of AD with their IRAK-4 degrader GS-6791.
The Human Cell Atlas project has delivered a fresh tranche of data mapping fibroblasts in healthy and diseased skin and pointing to drug targets with potential in multiple diseases across a range of tissues. Using single cell sequencing and spatial genomics, a technique for showing how gene expression varies at different locations within a tissue, nine different subpopulations of fibroblasts were identified, six in healthy skin and three in disease samples.
Resvita Bio Inc. has held a pre-IND meeting with the FDA for RVB-003, its lead investigational therapy for Netherton syndrome. The FDA’s feedback gives the company a pathway to submit an IND for RVB-003 in the first half of next year, with a clinical efficacy read-out anticipated by early 2027.
Almirall SA has disclosed tyrosine-protein kinase ITK/TSK (EMT) inhibitors reported to be useful for the treatment of atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, alopecia areata, vitiligo, T-cell lymphoma, asthma, inflammatory bowel disease and multiple sclerosis, among others.
Fibrobiologics Inc. has announced IND-enabling updates from its psoriasis research program demonstrating the potential of human dermal fibroblast (HDF) spheroids as a novel therapeutic approach for chronic-relapse psoriasis.
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.