molecules of the month

IL-17 has been a hot target in immunology thanks to the clinical and commercial success of marketed anti-IL-17A and anti-IL-17RA antibody drugs secukinumab (Cosentyx), ixekizumab (Talz), and brodalumab (Siliq) in psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, and ankylosing sponylitis. With the recent identification of small molecule binders of IL-17A, excitement has grown around the possibility that small molecule alternatives to antibody drugs may be feasible. Cytokines and cytokine receptors like interleukins have traditionally been the domain of biologic drugs due to the need to prevent protein-protein interactions (PPIs) between the cytokines and their receptors. While several companies have patented small molecule IL-17A antagonists, including Ensemble, DiCE, and Lilly, LEO Pharma’s molecule is the most advanced and disclosed oral candidate. The active ingredient was…