Aquilions new studies show that the company's lead compound in the TAK1 program exhibits a strong disease-modifying effect in a well-established model of skin inflammation. TAK1 (Transforming growth factor-β-activated kinase 1) is a central kinase (an enzyme) in the innate immune system and plays an important role in the regulation of inflammatory signaling pathways. By inhibiting TAK1's activity, one can potentially modulate the production of certain cytokines, which opens up possibilities for the treatment of several severe chronic skin diseases.
New steps after collaboration with Merck
In early 2023, Aqilion entered into a collaboration with the pharmaceutical giant Merck with the aim of developing treatments for autoimmune and inflammatory diseases. The agreement included up to EUR 950 million in milestone payments for the development of preclinical TAK1 inhibitors. However, in June 2024, the collaboration was terminated after data generated during the partnership indicated a changed risk-benefit profile within the intended indications. After regaining full control of the program, Aqilion has conducted a thorough analysis of the entire data package and decided to resume development.
The Company's promising preclinical results from the TAK1 program exceed those achieved with corticosteroid-based controls, indicating that inhibition of TAK1, applied directly to the skin, may offer significant therapeutic benefits. The Company plans to continue development towards a well-characterized drug candidate, including an optimized topical (on the skin) formulation, as well as preparations for IND-enabling toxicology studies and Phase I studies. The new results and the updated development strategy for the TAK1 program will be presented at the BIO 2025 conference in Boston on June 16–18.
Aqilion CEO, Sarah Fredriksson, expresses optimism for the future:
– The results underline that TAK1 is a very interesting target for the development of new drugs against chronic inflammation. The possibility of administering our drug candidate topically opens up completely new development avenues in several severe diseases caused by chronic inflammation or dysfunctional immunological reactions in the skin. We see great potential with this first-in-class, highly potent, non-steroidal treatment option for a broad spectrum of dermatological conditions and look forward to presenting our new data at the BIO conference.
Watch an interview here with CEO Sarah Fredriksson, recorded before the preclinical TAK1 results were announced, to learn more about Aqilion.
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