Jiangsu Hengrui Pharmaceuticals Co., Ltd (SHA: 600276), a China-based pharmaceutical company, has announced receiving approval from the National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) to initiate a clinical study for its anti-interleukin-5 (IL-5) antibody, SHR-1703. The drug candidate is set to be assessed as a treatment for eosinophilic granulomatous polyangiitis, a rare disorder that causes inflammation of the blood vessels in various organs.
Understanding Eosinophilic Granulomatous Polyangiitis and Its Impact
Granulomatosis with polyangiitis is a rare condition that leads to inflammation in the blood vessels of the nose, sinuses, throat, lungs, and kidneys, which are part of the broader category of vasculitis. This condition can impede blood flow to organs, resulting in inflammation, or granulomas, that affect organ function.
SHR-1703’s Mechanism of Action and Market Context
SHR-1703 works by binding to IL-5 and inhibiting its interaction with IL-5R on the surface of eosinophils, thereby suppressing the IL-5/IL-5R signaling pathway and the proliferation and activation of eosinophils. This action reduces eosinophil-mediated inflammation and injury. Globally, other IL-5 inhibitors available include GlaxoSmithKline (GSK, NYSE: GSK)’s Nucala (mepolizumab), AstraZeneca’s (AZ, NASDAQ: AZN) Fasenra (benralizumab), and Teva’s (NYSE: TEVA) Cinqair (reslizumab) from Israeli firm Teva. In China, Nucala was added to the National Reimbursement Drug List (NRDL) in 2023 and has been available since November 2021, indicating the growing focus on treatments for eosinophilic conditions.-Fineline Info & Tech
