Oruka Therapeutics Presents ORKA-001 Preclinical Data at EADV Congress

Oruka Therapeutics, Inc. recently unveiled promising preclinical data on ORKA-001, an innovative monoclonal antibody with an extended half-life, aimed at treating chronic skin conditions such as plaque psoriasis. Announced at the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology Congress (EADV), this development underscores the potential of ORKA-001 to significantly reduce the frequency of dosing for patients suffering from psoriasis.

Lawrence Klein, Oruka’s Chief Executive Officer, expressed optimism about the findings, highlighting the potential for ORKA-001 to be administered as infrequently as once every six months, with the possibility of even extending to annual dosing. Klein emphasized that the primary goal is to maximize the relief for psoriasis patients by minimizing the burden of their condition, and the data on ORKA-001 is encouraging in this regard.

ORKA-001 is administered subcutaneously and targets IL-23p19, a protein that plays a crucial role in the immune response associated with psoriasis. IL-23p19 inhibitors are currently the first-line treatment for moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis due to their effective safety and efficacy profile. However, existing therapies require multiple doses per year, typically achieving complete skin clearance in less than half of the patients after four months of treatment. ORKA-001 is engineered to deliver higher concentrations in the body, suggesting that it could provide better disease control with fewer doses.

Preclinical studies conducted on non-human primates and additional assays have shown that ORKA-001 binds to IL-23p19 with similar affinity as risankizumab, a currently approved treatment, but boasts a significantly longer half-life. Specifically, ORKA-001 demonstrated a half-life of 30.3 days after subcutaneous administration and 33.8 days following intravenous administration, which is more than three times longer than risankizumab. This extended half-life could lead to less frequent dosing schedules, an important consideration for patient compliance and quality of life.

Oruka Therapeutics is dedicated to setting new benchmarks in the treatment of chronic skin diseases. The company’s mission revolves around offering patients the maximum freedom from their conditions, with the aim of achieving high rates of complete disease clearance with minimal dosing frequency. Oruka is advancing a suite of potentially best-in-class antibodies, engineered by Paragon Therapeutics, which target the fundamental mechanisms of plaque psoriasis and other inflammatory skin conditions.

This innovative approach to biologic therapy positions Oruka at the forefront of dermatological treatment advancements, striving to meet the unmet needs of patients with chronic skin ailments. The promising data on ORKA-001 highlights the potential for this monoclonal antibody to revolutionize the treatment landscape for psoriasis, offering hope for more effective and convenient therapeutic options.

Oruka Therapeutics continues to push the boundaries of what is possible in the treatment of chronic skin conditions, aiming to deliver therapies that not only improve clinical outcomes but also enhance the overall quality of life for patients. The ongoing research and development efforts reflect a commitment to innovative solutions that address the core issues in dermatologic diseases, making strides towards more efficient and patient-friendly treatments.