Dual Targets, Inc (DTI) develops a novel bispecific oligonucleotide (BSO) for atopic dermatitis (AD).
DTI is a Tokyo-based private biotech company, which focuses on the development of novel bispecific oligonucleotide therapeutics for the treatment of chronic inflammation/allergy. DTI’s unique MOA is based on inhibiting “T cell migration” which is distinct from available topical steroids, calcineurin inhibitors, PDE4 inhibitors & JAK inhibitors as well as systemic biologics focusing on IL-4Ra (Dupilumab), IL-13 (Tralokinumab, Lebrikizumab).
Chronic inflammation
Chronic inflammation causes tissue destruction, dysfunction and progressive clinical symptoms in all organs throughout the body. Chronic inflamed tissue is characterized by infiltration of leukocytes that regulate inflammation and immunity, and is considered to be a major cause of exacerbation and persistence of lesions accompanied by dysfunction. Therefore, recruitment of leukocytes to local inflammatory foci has been considered to be an effective approach for the treatment of various inflammatory and immunological diseases including bronchial asthma, rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease and inflammatory skin diseases.
What is Atopic dermatitis (AD)?
Atopic dermatitis (AD) is the most common chronic inflammatory skin disease. About 80% of disease cases typically start in infancy or childhood, with the remainder developing during adulthood. The disease displays a high heterogeneity in its natural course and individual trajectories are unpredictable. AD is characterized by sensitive and dry skin, localized or disseminated eczematous lesions usually accompanied by a severe itching sensation. The heterogeneous clinical phenotype varies by age, severity and ethnic background. AD has a significant impact on the quality of life of the patients and their relatives and represents an important socio-economic burden (Bieber T. Atopic dermatitis: an expanding therapeutic pipeline for a complex disease. Nat Rev Drug Discov. 21: 21-40 (2022)).