First patient dosed in phase 2a trial of AX-158 for psoriasis

Key takeaways:

• AX-158 is a Nck blocker that acts by selectively targeting Nck function and recalibrating T-cell receptor responses.
• Results from this study will be available later this year.

The first patient has been dosed in Artax Biopharma’s phase 2a trial evaluating the safety and biomarker responses of AX-158 in a first proof-of-mechanism trial in psoriasis, the company announced in a press release.

AX-158, a Nck blocker, acts by selectively targeting Nck function and recalibrating the body’s T-cell receptor responses. According to the release, this calibration to responses allows the immune system to act properly — activating only when needed without causing immune suppression.

“We are excited about AX-158’s potential as the first immunomodulator in the Nck blocker class. Our pre-clinical data supports the potential for AX-158 to realize effective outcomes without the immunosuppression and the side effects associated with existing autoimmune disease therapies,” Rob Armstrong, PhD, CEO of Artax, said in the release.

According to the release, AX-158 has the potential to establish a new standard of care in autoimmune disease treatment. Results from this study will be released later this year.