ASLAN Pharmaceuticals is developing immuno-oncology agents and targeted therapies to treat various cancers by harnessing the body's immune system and specific molecular targets. Their approach aims to improve patient outcomes by providing more effective treatment options with potentially fewer side effects compared to traditional therapies.
Funding
Funding not disclosed
Founders
Product
Problem
Current treatments for moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis and alopecia areata often have limited efficacy or undesirable side effects, leaving a significant unmet need for novel therapeutic options. Existing biologics may not adequately address the underlying inflammatory pathways, while available treatments for alopecia areata may not effectively stimulate hair regrowth.
Solution
ASLAN Pharmaceuticals is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on developing first-in-class immunology treatments. Their lead candidate, eblasakimab, is a fully human monoclonal IgG4 antibody targeting the IL-13 receptor subunit of the Type 2 receptor, blocking signaling of both IL-4 and IL-13, key drivers of inflammation in atopic dermatitis. ASLAN is also developing farudodstat, a potent, orally available inhibitor of dihydroorotate dehydrogenase (DHODH) that suppresses T cell proliferation by blocking pyrimidine synthesis. Farudodstat is being investigated as a potential treatment for alopecia areata by reducing T cell mediated autoimmune responses that attack hair follicles.
Target Audience
The primary target audience includes patients with moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis who are not adequately controlled with existing therapies, as well as individuals suffering from alopecia areata seeking effective hair regrowth treatments.
Features
- Eblasakimab: a novel, fully human monoclonal antibody that selectively binds to the IL-13 receptor α1 subunit.
- Eblasakimab inhibits signaling of both IL-4 and IL-13, key cytokines involved in type 2 inflammation.
- Farudodstat: an orally bioavailable DHODH inhibitor that reduces T cell proliferation and IFNγ secretion.
- Farudodstat blocks the de novo production of pyrimidines, essential for DNA replication in T cells.
- Clinical programs include a Phase 2b dose-ranging study of eblasakimab in moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis and a Phase 2a proof-of-concept trial of farudodstat in alopecia areata.