AQ280 – Eosinophilic Esophagitis (EoE)

Aqilion is developing AQ280 as a new treatment for eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE), an allergic disease of the esophagus which primary symptom is severe swallowing difficulties. The incidence of the disease is rising rapidly, today approximately 1 in 700 people in the US are affected and there is a clear medical need for new alternative treatments based on novel mechanisms of action.

 

AQ280 is an orally available, super-selective JAK1 inhibitor that reduces inflammation and disease progression in chronic inflammatory diseases. As EoE patients have difficulty swallowing, Aqilion has developed a water-soluble tablet formulation. Two successful Phase 1 studies (ARIA-1 and ARIA-2) have been completed, in which AQ280 was well tolerated and demonstrated promising effects on relevant biomarkers. The results now enable progression to Phase 2.

 

AQ128 – Psoriasis

Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory disease affecting 2–4% of the population, currently treated primarily with corticosteroids, which can cause troublesome side effects with long-term use.

AQ128 is a highly potent, selective inhibitor of the enzyme TAK1, a central node in several pro-inflammatory signaling pathways, with the potential to become first-in-class in topical dermatology. In a psoriasis-like disease model, AQ128 has demonstrated efficacy comparable to the superpotent corticosteroid clobetasol but without the systemic effects observed with clobetasol.

 

AQ312 discontinued and PKCtheta on hold

The company has simultaneously decided to discontinue project AQ312 and will for the time being put the early discovery project PKCtheta on hold. The decision frees up resources to progress the programs with the greatest potential to reach value-creating milestones. The decision to discontinue AQ312 is primarily based on the project’s development risk.

 

CEO Sarah Fredriksson comments: focus to drive value

"We are at an exciting stage for Aqilion. With AQ280 ready to advance into Phase 2 following successful Phase 1 studies, and AQ128 showing truly promising results in preclinical models, we have a pipeline with real potential to make a difference for patients with chronic inflammatory diseases. By focusing our resources on these two programs, we are creating the best conditions to reach important milestones, attract development partners, and strengthen the company’s position. We are convinced that this is the right path forward – for the company, for our shareholders, and not least for the patients who are waiting for better treatment options.”

 

For more information, please contact:

Sarah Fredriksson, CEO, AQILION AB, + 46 (0)70 261 4575, sarah.fredriksson@aqilion.com