Drug Candidate for Treatment of Autoimmune Diseases
Etrasimod (APD334), is an oral, next generation, selective S1P receptor modulator, discovered by Arena, designed to provide systemic and local cell modulation by selectively targeting S1P receptor subtypes 1,4 and 5. Etrasimod has therapeutic potential in autoimmune diseases such as ulcerative colitis. S1P receptors have been demonstrated to be involved in the modulation of several biological responses, including lymphocyte trafficking from lymph nodes to the peripheral blood. By isolating subpopulations of lymphocytes in lymph nodes, fewer immune cells are available in the circulating blood to effect tissue damage.
About Autoimmune Diseases
Autoimmune diseases are characterized by an inappropriate immune response against substances and tissues that are normally present in the body. In an autoimmune reaction, a person’s antibodies and immune cells target healthy tissues, triggering an inflammatory response. Reducing the immune and/or inflammatory response is an important goal in the treatment of autoimmune disease.
About Ulcerative Colitis
Ulcerative colitis, or UC, is a chronic disease that affects the large intestine. The innermost lining of the large intestine becomes inflamed and ulcers may form on the surface, which can cause symptoms such as frequent bowel movements, diarrhea and bloody stools. The inflammation is usually found in the rectum and can include all or a portion of the colon. Currently available treatment options have limitations in terms of side effects, patient response, efficacy and administration. We believe that an effective, oral, selective S1P receptor modulator that provides clinical benefits without current limitations has the potential to improve treatment for patients with ulcerative colitis.
About Primary Biliary Cholangitis
Primary biliary cholangitis, or PBC (previously referred to as primary biliary cirrhosis), is a chronic cholestatic liver disease which is classified as a rare disease.
Progressive bile-duct injury from portal and periportal inflammation could result in progressive fibrosis, cholangitis and eventually cirrhosis. Evidence to date suggests that immunological and genetic factors might cause the disease. The treatment goal is to slow the progression rate of the disease and to alleviate the symptoms. Liver transplantation appears to be the only life-saving procedure for PBC patients.
Inflammation, the underlying cause of PBC, is believed to be T lymphocyte mediated. In research models with etrasimod, we have demonstrated modulation of the specific subtypes of T lymphocytes implicated in PBC.
Status
Ulcerative Colitis
We have received positive Phase 2 results for etrasimod and have initiated planning for Phase 3. In March 2018, we completed a dose finding randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled multinational Phase 2 clinical trial of etrasimod in moderate to severe UC. The aim of the trial includes investigating a clear dose response and establishing a clinically meaningful signal for the active arm(s) from placebo. The trial is expected to evaluate the effects of etrasimod, 1 mg and 2 mg, versus placebo on multiple efficacy measures including a 3-component Mayo Score, total Mayo Score (TMS), clinical remission and clinical response in up to 160 patients. Subjects from this study have the possibility to continue after 12 weeks in an open label extension study for up to 46 weeks with the focus on safety and maintenance of therapeutic effect.
Primary Biliary Cholangitis
We are conducting a Phase 2a, proof of concept, open-label study to determine the safety and tolerability of etrasimod in patients with primary biliary cholangitis over a 24-week treatment period.
Visit https://clinicaltrials.gov/ for more information.
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Etrasimod has not been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration or any other regulatory agency.
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