Dublin, Ireland-based lipid science group DS Biopharma has launched a spin-out group focused solely on fibrotic conditions such as non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and pulmonary disorders such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF).
The new company, called Afimmune, will continue explore the potential of DS102, a novel, anti-fibrotic compound, in NASH as well as certain pulmonary disorders, and also has a number of other compounds in preclinical development.
Afimmune plans to start a Phase IIa study with DS102 in NASH patients later this year, as well as a Phase IIa clinical trial in COPD patients following positive preclinical data.
DS Biopharma will concentrate its efforts on the development of DS107, an anti-inflammatory compound for atopic dermatitis and pruritus, and DS109 for other inflammatory skin disorders such as acne.
“By spinning out DS102 into a new company, DS Biopharma can direct its full attention to developing products for inflammatory skin conditions whereas Afimmune will focus on fibrotic conditions and pulmonary disorders,” noted Dr John Climax, the firm’s executive chairman.
