Technology Opportunities

Novel Topical small RNA Molecule as Treatment for Psoriasis

Prof. Sidi & Dr. Avni, Sheba Medical Center, Israel

Abstract

Psoriasis is a common, chronic, relapsing/remitting, immune-mediatedsystemic disease, characterized by red scaly skin lesions including patches, papules, and plaques, which usually itch. They result in significant negative impact on the patient's quality of life. The skin lesions seen in psoriasis may vary in severity from minor, localized patches to covering the entire body.

Psoriasis is the most prevalent auto inflammatory disease worldwide. Over 7.5 million Americans and more than 125 million individuals worldwide are affected. Most of psoriatic patients suffer from a mild to moderate disease (~80%) and are presently treated by topical therapies based on steroid and vitamin D. A minority of the patients who suffer from severe disease, are treated by systemic drugs; immuno-suppressive agents or biologic agents; monoclonal antibodies directed against cytokines. The use of these agents is associated with substantial side effects, especially when used chronically.

The Need

The main unmet need in the treatment of psoriasis, is for an agent that is as effective as the biologics, that is safe and effective when used topically in the treatment of mild to moderate cases of psoriasis. Although there is a well stocked R&D pipeline, with drug candidates that go some way in meeting these demands, a drug that meets this need still remains elusive, restricting the psoriasis drug market. However, the industry will achieve growth with the launch of novel interleukin inhibitors, like IL-22 with proven efficacy.

The Technology

Psoriasis, a chronic, debilitating skin disease that affects millions of people worldwide is our major research focus.

ü We have applied a mouse model for human psoriasis that accurately reproduces major facets of the disease, and allows the testing of the efficacy and safety of potential topical agents on human skin. Our approach facilitated the discovery of pathways that are involved in the pathogenesis of psoriasis and highlighted the importance of the specific compounds to control the skin lesions.

ü We have found that in the psoriatic lesion the expression of several small RNA molecules differs from the normal skin. Based on our findings we discovered a novel composition based on small, specific, RNA molecules that is naturally expressed massively in normal skin while being missing in the psoriatic lesions. We named this molecule SAL197.

ü We have unfolded the SAL197 mechanism of action and its protective effect on psoriatic lesions, and this novel composition is the basis of our new topical drug for psoriasis.

ü We have developed and validated several modes of topical delivery to achieve efficacy in affected lesions.

ü Our product inhibits the expression of IL-22 and IL-17 receptors, which are directly involved in the formation of the psoriatic lesion.

The Product

ü A novel topical composition based on an active compound, SAL197 to treat skin lesions in individuals affected by psoriasis.

ü The product can be combined together with existing and future therapies.

ü Novel composition for additional skin lesions such as actinic keratosis, solar elastosis and localized squamous cell carcinoma of the skin.