Brickell Secures Rights to a Novel Class of RORγ Inhibitors for Psoriasis and Other Autoimmune Diseases

Brickell Biotech, Inc. has secured the exclusive world-wide rights to a series of novel retinoic acid–related orphan nuclear receptor gamma (RORy) inhibitors from Orca Pharmaceuticals (Orca) and New York University (NYU). This chemical series is based on intellectual property emerging from the laboratory of Professor Dan Littman, MD, PhD, the Helen L. and Martin S. Kimmel Professor of Molecular Immunology and Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI) Investigator at NYU School of Medicine.

Under the terms of the agreement, Brickell will assume the responsibility for the continued research and development of these RORy inhibitors, initially targeting the topical treatment of psoriasis.

Patricia Walker, MD, PhD, President and Chief Scientific Officer at Brickell said, “We are excited about this new agreement, which further demonstrates Brickell’s commitment to the development of new molecular entities targeting well-known mechanisms of action in the field of medical dermatology. RORy inhibition targets the pathway of a validated cytokine (IL-17) that has been implicated in the pathogenesis of psoriasis. Monoclonal antibodies targeting IL-17 have recently shown significant efficacy in the treatment of psoriasis, and we are very encouraged about the opportunity to develop a topically applied, potent and selective small-molecule therapeutic targeting this pathway.”

RORy plays a key role in the immune system. It is involved in converting certain immune cells into pro-inflammatory Th17 cells, which produce cytokines (such as IL-17) that result in inflammation in living organisms. RORy inhibitors can help decrease inflammatory conditions by reducing the formation of Th17 cells as well as the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines. This mechanism is believed to have potential against a wide range of autoimmune diseases, such as psoriasis, inflammatory bowel disease, arthritis and multiple sclerosis.

The company expects to receive data from its Phase 2b clinical trial in 190 subjects with axillary (underarm) hyperhidrosis in early 2016.