Karus Therapeutics Commences Preclinical Development of Novel Immune and Inflammation Programmes
Karus Therapeutics Ltd has commenced preclinical development of its HDAC6 and PI3-Kinase inhibitor programmes for the treatment of immune and inflammatory diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Karus aims to initiate clinical trials for both programmes in 2011.
Karus’s highly potent and selective small molecule inhibitors of HDAC6 and PI3-Kinase p110-delta regulate T-helper 17 (Th17) cell function and inhibit the production of interleukins 17, 21 and 23 (IL-17, IL-21, IL-23). Th17 cells play a key role in the pathogenesis of immune and inflammatory diseases such as RA, multiple sclerosis, psoriasis, systemic lupus erythematosus and organ transplant rejection. Karus’s compounds have been shown to inhibit the production of Th17 cell pro-inflammatory cytokines and, in preclinical models of RA, display efficacy comparable to the anti-TNF biologics.
Simon Kerry, CEO of Karus Therapeutics said: “There is a significant opportunity for the development of an important new class of anti-inflammatory drugs which selectively target Th17 cells via a novel mechanism of action. We are very excited by the potential of our development candidates as oral treatments for RA and other inflammatory diseases.”
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