Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)

The WBI-1000 series of compounds target autoimmune and inflammatory diseases. Data shows that this series of compounds has immunomodulating effects in human and mouse. Specifically, two of these compounds, WBI-1001 and WBI-1062, have shown strong activity against T-cells by inhibiting the production of an array of inflammatory molecules. Over activated T-cells is the underlying cause of many autoimmune diseases.

The mechanism of action of these drugs is probably through inhibition of inflammatory cytokines and T-cell migration. Results of an array of tests have led to the investigation of the effects of these compounds on autoimmune diseases such as inflammatory bowel disease.

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), which includes Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis , is a relapsing and remitting condition characterized by chronic inflammation at various sites in the gastrointestinal tract. Patients suffer bloody diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and fever. The IBD market is currently dominated by Remicade and Asacol. A study of seven major pharmaceutical markets around the world showed that the estimated sales of the top five marketed IBD products reached $1.6 billion in 2005, with a compound annual growth rate over 13%.

Because IBD can naturally erupt and subside throughout a patient’s life, induction and maintenance of remission still pose a significant challenge for new drug development. When surveyed about the market need for effective treatment of IBD, one European physician observed that “What we need is a small molecule that you can take by mouth, that will target these specific areas of the inflammatory cascade, and they’d be easier and cheaper and more acceptable to patients, with fewer problems with respect to antibody formation.” Welichem’s compound, WBI-1001, is a small molecule that is suitable for oral formulation and has unique anti-inflammatory properties. Thus it could be a promising drug candidate to compete for a significant share of the very substantial IBD market.