THB-335 is an oral inhibitor of mast/stem cell growth factor receptor Kit (KIT), which regulates the activation and migration of mast cells, making it a relevant therapeutic target for inflammatory and allergic processes.
At the recent AAAAI/WAO meeting, Blueprint Medicines Corp. presented the in vitro and in vivo characterization of BLU-808, a selective inhibitor of wild-type KIT, a transmembrane receptor tyrosine kinase involved in mast cell activation, proliferation and chemotaxis.
Continuing its streak of promising early clinical data, Jasper Therapeutics Inc.’s briquilimab impressed in a preliminary readout from a phase Ib/IIa study in chronic inducible urticaria (CIndU), showing a clinical response of 93%. CIndU, an inflammatory skin condition causing hives that is often induced by physical or environmental stimuli, is commonly treated with antihistamines, though some patients are refractory. Beyond antihistamines, there is no treatment available globally, explained Edwin Tucker, Jasper’s chief medical officer, so briquilimab has the potential to be “a new treatment paradigm for patients,” both in reducing disease burden and in improving quality of life.
Succeeding where others have failed in an indication with high unmet need, Celldex Therapeutics Inc. disclosed top-line data from the phase II trial with barzolvolimab (barzo) against two common forms of chronic inducible urticaria (CIndU): cold urticaria (ColdU) and symptomatic dermographism (SD).
Santa Ana Bio Inc. has emerged from stealth with $168 million in combined series A and B funding and a focus on developing targeted therapies for patients with autoimmune and inflammatory diseases.
Mast/stem cell growth factor receptor KIT is a receptor tyrosine kinase that plays a key role in mast cell differentiation, proliferation, survival and activation.
Escient Pharmaceuticals Inc. has obtained FDA clearance of its IND application for EP-262, a first-in-class, potent, highly selective small-molecule antagonist of Mas-related G-protein coupled receptor member X2 (MRGPRX2) for mast cell-mediated disorders.
When potentially dangerous high liver enzymes showed up in two asymptomatic participants during Third Harmonic Bio Inc.’s ongoing phase Ib study of the KIT inhibitor THB-001, the company decided to discontinue the clinical trial.
