ART123

IL-12 and IL-23 are immune regulatory molecules whose overproduction is implicated in autoimmune diseases such as psoriasis and Crohn’s disease. Antibodies that selectively neutralise the effects of IL-12 and IL-23 are currently in clinical trials and have demonstrated benefit in the treatment of psoriasis and Crohn’s disease.

Global sales of biologic drugs for the treatment of psoriasis and Crohn’s disease are predicted to increase in value over the next ten years to US$8 billion.

Arana scientists have discovered an antibody, ART-123, that has a unique mechanism of action that confers upon the antibody increased potency, and thus potential to enhance efficacy in the clinic. To further improve this potency Arana is currently affinity maturing its lead antibody using its proprietary technology platform, Evogene™.

ART-123 is currently at the lead optimisation stage and is projected to enter a Phase I clinical trial in 2011.