OKYO Pharma Announces Potent Anti-inflammatory Effects of OK-113, a Novel Agonist of Chemerin G-Protein Coupled Receptor, in ...
28 Agosto 2019 - 06:48AM
Business Wire
OKYO Pharma Limited (LSE: OKYO) August 28, 2019, a biotechnology
company focusing on the G Protein Coupled Receptors (GPCR) targeted
drugs for treatment of dry eye disease (DED) and non-opioid
analgesic for management of chronic pain, is pleased to announce
potent anti-inflammatory activity of OK-113, an in-house discovered
proprietary agonist of Chemerin GPCR, in an experimental model of
DED in mice. These preclinical efficacy data, identifying a lead
drug candidate, will facilitate initiation of clinical studies for
DED treatment in 2020.
Targeting GPCR, a ‘Nobel Prize’ winning scientific concept, is
proven to be an innovative approach for treatment of a wide range
of inflammatory diseases, cancers and non-opioid analgesics for
management of chronic pain. More than 40% of the drugs available in
the global market target GPCR.
Topical treatment, as eye drops, with OK-113 showed potent
anti-inflammatory effects to reduce corneal permeability and other
symptoms of dry eye in a mouse model of DED. In these studies,
OK-113 was as potent as cyclosporine, an immunosuppressive drug
which is the active ingredient of Restasis® (Allergan). These
results are consistent with our earlier report, which was featured
in a ‘Late Breaking Poster Presentation’ at the 14th Congress on
Ocular Pharmacology and Therapeutics1. The demonstration of
potent anti-inflammatory activity in the mouse model of DED and the
results exhibiting absence of local irritation in a rabbit model
are important basis for initiation of the upcoming IND-enabling
studies, and subsequently to IND submission for DED treatment.
“We are excited with these ‘proof-of-concept’ studies
demonstrating potential of our core GPCR-based technology for
treatment of inflammatory diseases and non-opioid analgesics for
management of chronic pain” said Willy Simon, Executive Chairman of
OKYO Pharma Limited.
“Dry Eye is a chronic inflammatory disease that affects millions
of people globally and currently it has limited treatment options.
We are pleased with these positive results identifying our in-house
discovered lead drug candidate for DED treatment” said Dr. Raj
Patil, Senior Director R&D, OKYO Pharma Limited.
Cited Reference
- R. Patil, B. Harwood, A. Kopin, and K. Shailubhai (2019)
OKYO-0101, an agonist of G-protein coupled receptor (GPCR),
ameliorates inflammation in an experimental model of dry eye
disease in mice. 14th Congress on Ocular Pharmacology and
Therapeutics, New Orleans, LA
About GPCR
GPCR is the largest family of membrane proteins involved in
several biological processes. GPCR signaling field has garnered
worldwide attention from drug developers since a Nobel prize in
Chemistry was awarded in 2012 for research in this area. Several
big pharmaceutical companies such as Novartis, Pfizer, Astra Zeneca
etc. are heavily investing in modulation of GPCR signaling. Large
market potential and growth exists for GPCR targeted drugs for
treating a wide variety of indications such as inflammation,
oncology, cardiovascular diseases and inflammatory eye diseases
including dry eye, uveitis and allergic conjunctivitis.
About dry eye disease (DED)
Dry eye is a multifactorial disease caused by a chronic lack of
sufficient lubrication and moisture on the surface of the eye and
is reaching epidemic proportions. Symptoms of dry eye include
constant discomfort and irritation accompanied by inflammation of
ocular surface, visual impairment, and potential damage to ocular
surface. Estimated prevalence of dry eye, which is frequently
underrecognized, ranges from about 5% to 35% in different age
groups, the most common being in adults over the age of 50. Thus,
dry eye disease is seen as a major economic burden in public
healthcare.
About OK-113
OK-113 is an agonist of Chemerin, which belongs to GPCR family
of receptors, that inhibits underlying inflammation causing dry
eye, uveitis and allergic conjunctivitis. Anti-inflammatory action
of OK-113 follows a novel mechanism, which inhibits the generation
of proinflammatory mediators. OK-113 is a proprietary
first-in-class topically administered GPCR agonist for dry eye.
About non-opioid analgesics
Opioid therapy is the most common therapy in the management of
acute and chronic pain. However, opioid medications carry a risk of
abuse and addiction by either the patient or health professional.
Drug overdoses have become a leading cause of death in Americans
under 50, with a majority of those deaths from opioids use.
Therefore, consideration of non-opioid strategies for pain
management is highly beneficial to patients. Despite their
disadvantages, opioids are still the most prescribed drug for
chronic pain management. The use of non-opioid analgesics may cut
down the use of opioid.
About OKYO
OKYO Pharma Limited (LSE: OKYO) is a life sciences and
biotechnology company admitted to listing on the standard segment
of the Official List of the UK Financial Conduct Authority and to
trading on the Main Market for listed securities of the London
Stock Exchange plc. OKYO is focusing on the discovery and
development of novel molecules to treat inflammatory dry eye
diseases and chronic pain.
Website: www.okyopharma.com
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Hana Malik / Barbara Zironi hmalik@okyopharma.com /
bzironi@okyopharma.com 0207 495 2379.
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