PKCtheta inhibitors (Aqilion)

AQILION AB (publ) announces an expansion of its pipeline through the nomination of PKCtheta as the target of a new immunology project. Aqilion’s aims at the discovery and development of differentiated and effective treatments for autoimmune and inflammatory diseases. The PKCtheta kinase plays a critical role in T-cell receptor signaling and is believed to be centrally involved in the pathogenesis of T-cell mediated inflammatory and autoimmune diseases e.g. ulcerative colitis and rheumatoid arthritis. PKCtheta has garnered significant attention from the pharmaceutical industry and, using our drug discovery process, Aqilion is aiming for best-in-class small molecule PKCtheta inhibitors. Aqilion has identified highly potent and selective PKCtheta inhibitors using advanced structure-based design. This has resulted in a unique set of structurally diverse molecules with excellent drug-like properties. The PKCtheta program is in lead optimization phase with the aim of nominating a clinical candidate within the next 9-12 month period. In parallel, we are furthering the biological rationale for certain clinical indications. “Our discovery team has been working with several interesting drug targets during the last two years, with the aim to select a new preclinical program. It is exiting to be able nominate PKCtheta and to leverage experiences and successes from Aqilion’s other preclinical and clinical kinase inhibitor programs”, says Sarah Fredriksson, CEO. For more information, please contact: Sarah Fredriksson, CEO, AQILION AB, + 46 (0)70 261 4575, sarah.fredriksson@aqilion.com