Technologies

Researchers from the Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences and collaborators, have identified novel peptides that are highly potent (low picomolar range) and selective inhibitors of the Kv1.3 potassium channel, an important pharmaceutical target in autoimmune diseases. Clinical support for inhibition of this target with unmodified peptides was achieved in a recent Phase 1b study in patients with active plaque psoriasis. The Monash peptides offer potential clinical and manufacturing advantages due to their high selectivity for Kv1.3 (and not Kv1.1), which reduces off-target side effects and their ability to be developed as recombinant products, which supports GMP scale production.