Aqilion AB has released promising results from new studies with molecules from the company’s lead series within the TAK1 program, demonstrating a strong disease-modifying effect in a well-established model of skin inflammation.

Sanofi SA has exercised its option to exclusively license Nurix Therapeutics Inc.’s STAT6 program, including the drug development candidate NX-3911, an oral, highly selective STAT6 degrader.

Recludix Pharma Inc. has nominated a lead development candidate, REX-8756, an oral, selective and reversible small-molecule inhibitor of STAT6, and completed GLP toxicology studies for the compound. REX-8756 has potential for patients with type 2 immune-related inflammatory diseases.

Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd. has commenced IND-enabling studies with BD-9, a dual-specific multibody targeting thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP) and interleukin-13 (IL-13). By simultaneously blocking two key drivers of TH2-driven inflammation, BD-9 has the potential to improve outcomes for patients with conditions such as atopic dermatitis and asthma.

Rheumatoid arthritis, atopic dermatitis, ulcerative colitis and several other inflammatory diseases involve hyperactivation of JAK-STAT signaling, in which the kinase JAK binds and phosphorylates the transcription factor STAT, which then turns on gene expression.

Ascletis Pharma Inc. has announced IND clearance by the FDA for a phase I trial of ASC-50 for the treatment of mild to moderate plaque psoriasis. Dosing is expected to start in the third quarter of this year.

Researchers from Protagonist Therapeutics Inc. reported the preclinical characterization of PN-881, an oral macrocyclic peptide that inhibits the dimeric forms of IL-17 – AA, AF, and FF.