Johnson & Johnson Secures Global Rights to Kaken's Oral STAT6 Inhibitor KP-723 for Atopic Dermatitis and Other Th2-Mediated Diseases

About KP-723

KP-723 isA Novel Oral STAT6 Inhibitor, currently in the preclinical research stage.

CompanyA Phase 1 trial for atopic dermatitis (AD) is expected to be launched next year., and it is possible to apply this drug to other Th2-mediated diseases, including asthma, etc.

About STAT6 Inhibitors

The STAT family currently comprises 7 identified proteins, including STAT1, STAT2, STAT3, STAT4, STAT5a, STAT5b, and STAT6. All genes are located on different chromosomes but share a conserved sequence structure. As a key molecule in the JAK/STAT signaling pathway, STAT6 plays an essential role in maintaining pathway function and gene expression. The activation of STAT6 is primarily induced by IL-4 and IL-13, and it is phosphorylated by JAK kinase at the conserved tyrosine (Y)-641 to stimulate target gene transcription.

The signaling pathway involving STAT6 is associated with various diseases. In some lymphomas, such as classical Hodgkin lymphoma (cHL), STAT6 can also be activated by an IL13-IL13 receptor autocrine feedback loop. Additionally, studies have identified mutations in the suppressor of cytokine signaling 1 (SOCS1) gene in nodular lymphocyte-predominant Hodgkin lymphoma (NLPHL). SOCS1 influences the activation of STAT6 by controlling the activity and degradation of JAK2. Moreover, as a key node transcription factor, STAT6 selectively mediates downstream signaling of IL-4 and IL-13, offering potential for the development of treatments for type 2 inflammatory diseases.

According to incomplete statistics,Currently, there are about a dozen STAT6 drugs under research.。

About Atopic Dermatitis

Atopic Dermatitis (AD) is a chronic, recurrent, inflammatory skin disease that commonly occurs in infants and children but can also affect adults. As patients often have other atopic conditions such as allergic rhinitis and asthma, it is considered a systemic disease. The most fundamental characteristics of AD are dry skin, chronic eczematous lesions, and intense itching, significantly impacting the patient's quality of life.

Johnson & Johnson's Layout in AD

May 2024,Johnson & Johnson Completes Two Acquisitions in Succession, first with the $850 million acquisition of Proteologix, obtaining multiple bispecific antibody therapies, one of which includes aPX128, a bispecific antibody targeting IL-13 and TSLP, is about to enter Phase I clinical development for moderate to severe AD and moderate to severe asthma.. In addition, the company has reached a final agreement with Numab to acquire Numab's subsidiary Yellow Jersey Therapeutics for approximately $1.25 billion in cash, obtaining aGlobal Rights for NM26, a Bispecific Antibody for the Treatment of AD。

According to incomplete statistics,Johnson & Johnson has laid out approximately 10 drugs for AD.。