ASLAN Pharmaceuticals to Develop ASLAN003 as Next Generation DHODH Inhibitor in Autoimmune Conditions
16 Oktober 2020 - 11:25AM
ASLAN Pharmaceuticals (Nasdaq:ASLN), a clinical-stage immunology
focused biopharmaceutical company developing innovative treatments
to transform the lives of patients, today announced that it plans
to develop ASLAN003, its next generation inhibitor of
dihydroorotate dehydrogenase (DHODH), in autoimmune conditions,
such as multiple sclerosis (MS).
ASLAN003 is a highly selective and potent inhibitor of human
DHODH (IC50 = 35 nM) and has been shown to be more than 30 times
more potent at inhibiting the DHODH enzyme in cell free and
cell-based assays than the first generation inhibitor
teriflunomide. In preclinical studies, ASLAN003 was shown to be
efficacious in animal models of MS and other autoimmune diseases.
Based on the specificity, potency and favourable safety profile
identified in earlier clinical studies, ASLAN believes ASLAN003 is
a promising candidate for development in these diseases, where a
pressing need for differentiated and convenient treatment options
exists.
Dr Carl Firth, Chief Executive
Officer, ASLAN Pharmaceuticals, said:
“Following our review of the data we have generated on ASLAN003 and
discussions with experts in the field, we believe ASLAN003 has a
potential best in class profile as the most potent oral DHODH
inhibitor targeting autoimmune indications. There is a current need
for a differentiated therapeutic approach to MS that can deliver
improved efficacy and addresses the risks of toxicity associated
with this and other classes of drug in the field.”
Inhibition of DHODH is an established mechanism for the
treatment of autoimmune conditions, notably relapsing-remitting
multiple sclerosis (RRMS). First generation DHODH inhibitors have
limited efficacy and, like many other treatment options for RRMS,
have associated toxicities requiring safety monitoring that make
them less suited as long term treatment options. ASLAN003 has been
shown to be well tolerated at doses up to 400 mg/day in 119
subjects across Phase 1 and Phase 2 clinical studies and is
suitable for once-daily oral dosing.
ASLAN has appointed renowned neurologist Professor Gavin
Giovannoni, Chair of Neurology, Blizard Institute, Barts and The
London School of Medicine and Dentistry, as a scientific advisor to
the Company and will work with him on the clinical development plan
of ASLAN003. The company expects to share further details in early
2021.
Professor Gavin
Giovannoni, scientific
advisor to ASLAN, added:
“New and effective treatment approaches with improved safety,
efficacy and convenience are highly sought after by the MS
community. ASLAN003’s potency and favourable safety profile make it
a promising next generation DHODH inhibitor and I look forward to
working with the team to define novel clinical development
strategies for the benefit of patients.”
ASLAN has previously observed anti-viral activity of ASLAN003
against Dengue and Zika viruses and recently determined that
ASLAN003 has nanomolar potency against SARS-CoV-2 in Vero E6 cells
(EC50 = 1.4 nM). ASLAN is currently assessing the potential of
ASLAN003 as a treatment for COVID-19 and other viral infections and
will provide an update when clinical development plans have been
determined.
In 2019, ASLAN completed a Phase 2 study testing ASLAN003 in
AML. Following an internal strategic review and noting changes in
the AML treatment landscape, ASLAN will be focusing the future
development of ASLAN003 in autoimmune disease.
Media and IR
contacts
Emma
ThompsonSpurwing CommunicationsTel: +65 6751 2021Email:
ASLAN@spurwingcomms.com |
Robert
UhlWestwicke PartnersTel: +1 858 356 5932 Email:
robert.uhl@westwicke.com |
About ASLAN PharmaceuticalsASLAN
Pharmaceuticals (Nasdaq:ASLN) is a clinical-stage immunology
focused biopharmaceutical company developing innovative treatments
to transform the lives of patients. Led by a senior management team
with extensive experience in global development and
commercialisation, ASLAN has a clinical portfolio comprised of a
first-in-class monoclonal therapy, ASLAN004, that is being
developed in atopic dermatitis and other immunology indications,
and ASLAN003, which it plans to develop for autoimmune disease. For
additional information please visit www.aslanpharma.com.
Forward
looking
statements
This release contains forward-looking statements. These
statements are based on the current beliefs and expectations of the
management of ASLAN Pharmaceuticals Limited and/or its affiliates
(the "Company"). These forward-looking statements may include, but
are not limited to, statements regarding the Company’s business
strategy and clinical development plans, the Company’s plans to
develop ASLAN003 in autoimmune disease, COVID-19 and other viral
infections, the safety and efficacy of ASLAN003, and the Company’s
plans and expected timing with respect to its clinical trials for
ASLAN003 and clinical and preclinical study results for ASLAN003.
The Company’s estimates, projections and other forward-looking
statements are based on management's current assumptions and
expectations of future events and trends, which affect or may
affect the Company’s business, strategy, operations or financial
performance, and inherently involve significant known and unknown
risks and uncertainties. Actual results and the timing of events
could differ materially from those anticipated in such
forward-looking statements as a result of these risks and
uncertainties, which include, without limitation the risk factors
described in the Company’s U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission
filings and reports (Commission File No. 001-38475), including the
Company’s Form 20-F filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange
Commission (the “SEC”) on April 16, 2020.
All statements other than statements of historical fact are
forward-looking statements. The words “believe,” “may,” “might,”
“could,” “will,” “aim,” “estimate,” “continue,” “anticipate,”
“intend,” “expect,” “plan,” or the negative of those terms, and
similar expressions that convey uncertainty of future events or
outcomes are intended to identify estimates, projections and other
forward-looking statements. Estimates, projections and other
forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they were
made, and, except to the extent required by law, the Company
undertakes no obligation to update or review any estimate,
projection or forward-looking statement.
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