Artelo Biosciences, Inc.’s ART26.12 showed promise in both in vitro and in vivo psoriasis models, according to a new study in the Journal of Investigative Dermatology.
ART26.12 is an orally active, small-molecule inhibitor of Fatty Acid Binding Protein 5 (FABP5).
“We are excited to share the results on this novel target in psoriasis,” says George Warren, PhD, Lead Author and Principal Scientist at Artelo, in a news release. “Our findings demonstrate that ART26.12 has effects comparable to powerful immunomodulators, while its unique pharmacology leads to a significantly distinct expression of proteins and lipids in the skin.”
FABP5, sometimes referred to as epidermal FABP, was first discovered in psoriasis tissue in the early 1990s. It is highly expressed in skin and immune cells and plays a key role in skin cell homeostasis. FABP5 is upregulated in numerous dermatological conditions, promoting inflammation, and correlating with disease severity.
“Pre-clinical IND-enabling studies with ART26.12, supported by a literature review of greater than 300 studies examining FABP inhibition, imply a low toxicological risk for ART26.12, which, if borne out in clinical studies, suggest FABP5 inhibition with an orally delivered small molecule may be an attractive, less costly, and safer approach for treating this debilitating chronic disease,” Dr. Warren adds. A Phase 1 Single Ascending Dose study in healthy volunteers with ART26.12 has completed enrollment with data announcements expected this quarter.
