China-based Suzhou Zelgen Biopharmaceuticals Co., Ltd (SHA: 688266) has announced that it has received approval from the National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) to conduct a clinical study for its Category 1 Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitor, jacktinib, in patients with severe COVID-19.
Mechanism of Action
Jacktinib works by blocking the signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) and JAK signaling pathways, thereby improving immune-related inflammatory effects. Severe COVID-19 can lead to excessive immune inflammatory reactions or lung inflammation in some patients, resulting in life-threatening severe pneumonia. By inhibiting these excessive immune and inflammatory responses, jacktinib offers a potential treatment for severe pneumonia caused by novel coronavirus infection. Additionally, in vitro test results have shown that the drug can inhibit the activity of AP2-related protein kinase 1 (AAK1), preventing respiratory viruses from entering the body through endocytosis and intracellular virus assembly.
Clinical Studies and Designations
The drug is currently undergoing multiple clinical studies, including in moderate- to high-risk myelofibrosis, myelofibrosis intolerant to ruxolitinib, severe alopecia areata, idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, ankylosing spondylitis, moderate to severe plaque psoriasis, moderate to severe atopic dermatitis, and more. Jacktinib has also obtained orphan drug designation for myelofibrosis from the US FDA, highlighting its potential in addressing unmet medical needs across various conditions.-Fineline Info & Tech
