AN-2728, a PDE4 inhibitor for the potential topical treatment of psoriasis and atopic dermatitis.
Cytokines are signaling molecules that are believed to be key factors in perpetuating the inflammatory process in psoriasis and atopic dermatitis. AN-2728, being developed by Anacor Pharmaceuticals Inc, is a topically administered, boron-containing, anti-inflammatory compound that inhibits PDE4 activity and thereby suppresses the release of TNFalpha, IL-12, IL-23 and other cytokines. At the time of publication, three phase Ib clinical trials, a IIa trial and a IIb trial of AN-2728 in patients with psoriasis had been completed; the compound was also undergoing phase II development for atopic dermatitis, but no data were available for this indication. AN-2728 was reported to be well tolerated and to demonstrate significant effects on markers of efficacy, with results that were comparable to positive controls. AN-2728 appears to have good therapeutic potential, although further and larger trials are required to assess the long-term safety and characterize the broad utility of this drug.
Nazarian
Rachel
R
St Lukes-Roosevelt Hospital Center, Department of Dermatology, 1090 Amsterdam Avenue, Suite 11D, New York, NY 10025, USA. rnazarian@chpnet.org
Weinberg
Jeffrey M
JM
D000818:Animals; D001896:Boron Compounds / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D019086:Bridged Bicyclo Compounds, Heterocyclic / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D016207:Cytokines / Q000378:metabolism; D003876:Dermatitis, Atopic / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000503:physiopathology; D006801:Humans; D007249:Inflammation / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology; D058988:Phosphodiesterase 4 Inhibitors; D010726:Phosphodiesterase Inhibitors / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D011565:Psoriasis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000503:physiopathology
D001896:Boron Compounds; D019086:Bridged Bicyclo Compounds, Heterocyclic; D016207:Cytokines; D058988:Phosphodiesterase 4 Inhibitors; D010726:Phosphodiesterase Inhibitors; C543085:crisaborole