Pipeline

CSU is characterized by the occurrence of hives/wheals for more than 6 weeks without identifiable specific triggers or causes. The activation of the mast cells in the skin (release of histamines, leukotrienes, chemokines) results in episodes of itchy hives, swelling and inflammation of the skin (angioedema) that can go on for years or even decades. The quality of life impairment that patients with CSU experience has been well studied and shown to impact many aspects of life including daily activities, work performance, sleep quality, social functioning and relationships, and mental health, which can manifest as depression, anxiety and suicidal ideation. A recent multi-national patient survey found that the majority of patients report a moderate to high impact from CSU on their daily life (Winders, TA, et al, EADV 2024). Current therapies provide symptomatic relief only in some patients.

CindU is characterized by the occurrence of hives/wheals that are associated with a specific cause or trigger. The three most common triggers include: physical contact with the skin known as Symptomatic Dermographism (SD), cold or below body temperatures known as Cold Urticaria (ColdU) and sweating/increases in body temperature known as Cholinergic Urticaria (CholU). For these diseases, mast cell activation is thought to be the driving mechanism leading to the hives and other symptoms. There are currently no approved therapies for chronic inducible urticarias other than antihistamines and patients attempt to manage symptoms associated with their disease through avoidance of triggers.

EoE is the most common type of eosinophilic gastrointestinal disease, a chronic inflammatory disease of the esophagus characterized by the infiltration of eosinophils. Chronic inflammation can result in trouble swallowing, chest pain, vomiting and impaction of food in the esophagus – a medical emergency. Several studies have suggested that mast cells may be an important driver in the disease. Currently, there are limited treatment options for EoE.

PN is a chronic skin disease that causes hard, intensely itchy lumps/nodules to form on the skin. Intense itching (pruritus) causes people to scratch themselves to the point of bleeding or pain – scratching can cause more skin lesions to appear, perpetuating the disease cycle. Mast cells are believed to play an important role in amplifying chronic itch and neuroinflammation. PN causes a significant quality of life impact: sleep disturbance, psychological distress, social isolation, anxiety and depression. Currently, there are limited treatment options for PN.

AD (eczema) is one of the most common chronic, relapsing, inflammatory skin diseases—causing dry, extremely itchy and inflamed skin.  Scratching of the skin can lead to further redness, swelling, cracking, “weeping” clear fluid, crusting and scaling. Mast cells are strongly implicated in all facets of AD and activated mast cells are also found in increased numbers in lesional biopsies. There are limited treatment options for AD that does not respond to the current standard of care.