In late 2016, Nature published a series of articles on Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) in the 21st Century, including the role of biology, epidemiology and genetics, in its pathogenesis and treatment.
Innovation Pharmaceuticals is advancing Brilacidin, a Host Defense Protein (HDP)-mimetic with unique immunomodulatory properties, as a novel, non-corticosteroid and non-biologic drug candidate for treating IBD, which affects millions of people worldwide.
Research suggests deficient or impaired defensin expression contributes to Crohn’s Disease. Defects in mucins—structurally diverse glycoproteins found in the secretions of mucous membranes, e.g., in the GI tract—is similarly implicated as a key factor in the development of Ulcerative Colitis. Brilacidin might benefit from an ability to restore defective defensin expression and induce mucin production, strengthening mucosal immunity and integrity. Evidence of mucosal healing (Endoscopic Response) has taken on extra importance as an IBD efficacy measure toward obtaining regulatory approval.
Brilacidin also has been shown not only to reduce pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines, alongside exhibiting robust antimicrobial activity, but as well to inhibit phosphodiesterase type 4 (PDE4), which is being advanced as a therapeutic approach in the treatment of IBD.
Based on favorable topline results in Ulcerative Proctitis/Ulcerative Proctosigmoiditis, two types of IBD, the Company is hopeful Brilacidin can emerge as an effective new IBD treatment, improving the lives of sufferers of this hard-to-treat chronic condition.
Source: Eisenstein, M. “Biology: A Slow-Motion Epidemic.” Nature. Volume 540, pages S98–S99 (22 December 2016).
Source: Eisenstein, M. “Biology: A Slow-Motion Epidemic.” Nature. Volume 540, pages S98–S99 (22 December 2016).
Source: Eisenstein, M. “Biology: A Slow-Motion Epidemic.” Nature. Volume 540, pages S98–S99 (22 December 2016).