Alys Pharmaceuticals Inc. has launched with a focus in the field of immuno-dermatology. Supported by $100 million in financing from Medicxi, Alys was formed through the aggregation of six asset-centric Medicxi companies: Aldena Therapeutics Inc., Graegis Pharmaceuticals Ltd., Granular Therapeutics Ltd., Klirna Biotech Sàrl, Nira Biosciences Inc. and Vimela Therapeutics Inc.
Guangzhou Fermion Technology Co. Ltd. has received IND approval by China’s National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) for its TYK2 JH2 inhibitor, FZ-007-119.
DP Technology Ltd. has nominated DPT-0218, a novel small molecule targeting Kv1.3, as a preclinical candidate for the treatment of various autoimmune diseases, including inflammatory bowel disease and atopic dermatitis.
Onquality Pharmaceuticals LLC has obtained IND clearance from the FDA for OQL-025 to treat epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) inhibitor-induced acneiform rash, a common toxicity affecting patients treated with EGFR inhibitor therapy for various cancers.
Kymera Therapeutics Inc. has unveiled two new first-in-class oral degrader programs for immune-mediated diseases: KT-621, a STAT6 degrader, and KT-294, a TYK2 degrader.
Activon Co. Ltd. has described compounds acting as reactive oxygen species (ROS) production inhibitors reported to be useful for the treatment of aging, atopic dermatitis, cardiovascular disorders, cancer, hepatitis, hepatobiliary diseases, neurodegeneration and rheumatoid arthritis.
JAK1 signaling promotes skin inflammation and is a major therapeutic target for atopic dermatitis-related itching. But in a study appearing in the Jan. 4, 2024, print issue of Cell after earlier publication online, researchers at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, led by dermatologist Brian Kim, found that intrinsic JAK1 signaling in sensory neurons had an immunoprotective effect in the lung. The findings suggest a more precise and personalized approach is required to potentially expand JAK inhibitor use to a wider range of allergy and inflammatory disorders.
Equillium Inc. has announced that it intends to advance EQ-302, a preclinical orally delivered multi-cytokine inhibitor of IL-15 and IL-21, in place of further clinical development of EQ-102.