This New Molecule Could Be Key to Treating Inflammatory Bowel Disease and Atopic Dermatitis

inflamed bowels © freshidea - stock.adobe.com

DP Technology today announced the nomination of DPT0218, a novel small molecule targeting the potassium voltage-gated channel Kv1.3, as a preclinical candidate compound for the treatment of autoimmune diseases including atopic dermatitis (AD) and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).1

The potassium channel Kv1.3 (also known as KCNA3) plays an essential role in T-cell proliferation and activation as well as cytokine production,2 and is crucial for maintaining the membrane potential required for the induction of inflammatory responses, according to DP Technology.

The molecule DPT0218 is a gut-restricted, highly potent and selective Kv1.3 inhibitor, with “best-in-class" potential and a novel scaffold, according to the company. It has shown positive results in preclinical animal models of various autoimmune diseases such as IBD and AD, it reported, and has an excellent safety profile.

"Although antibodies play a pivotal role in the treatment of moderate to severe IBD, their applications are limited by constrained therapeutic efficacy, immunogenicity, parenteral route of drug delivery, poor tolerability, and high cost." said Xiaomin Zhang, head of drug discovery at DP Technology, in a company press release.

"As a small molecule, DPT0218 has shown potent inhibition of T-cell activation, proliferation, and cytokine secretion in both in vivo and in vitro studies, demonstrating its potential as an effective treatment for IBD. We'll actively advance DPT0218 to clinical research and explore its application to other autoimmune diseases."

References

1. DP Technology Announces Nomination of Development Candidate, a Potential Best-in-Class Kv1.3 Inhibitor for Immunological Diseases Including IBD and AD. DP Technology. News release. January 30, 2924. Accessed January 30, 2024.https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/dp-technology-announces-nomination-of-development-candidate-a-potential-best-in-class-kv1-3-inhibitor-for-immunological-diseases-including-ibd-and-ad-302047637.html

2. National Center for Biotechnology Information. KCNA3 potassium voltage-gated channel subfamily A member 3 [Homo sapiens (human)]. National Library of Medicine. Updated November 23. 2023. Accessed January 30, 2024.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/gene/3738

This article was originally posted in Dermatology Times.