GNT Pharma's 'Chrisdesalazine' Shows Potential for Expansion to Autoimmune Disease Indications

GNT Pharma announced on the 25th that domestic patent registration has been approved for compositions and methods for treating autoimmune diseases using Crisdesalazine.

GNT Pharma 'Chrisdesalazine' [Photo by GNT Pharma]

Autoimmune diseases are conditions in which the immune system malfunctions and attacks normal cells, tissues, and organs. Representative examples include systemic lupus erythematosus, multiple sclerosis, and rheumatoid arthritis, with more than 80 autoimmune diseases reported. It is known that 1 in 10 people worldwide suffer from these diseases. Treatments include steroids, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, immunosuppressants, and analgesics, but these only alleviate symptoms and long-term use can cause various side effects in the immune system, digestive system, and cardiovascular system.

The company explained that Crisdesalazine inhibits mPGES-1, the synthetic enzyme of the inflammatory factor microsomal prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), thereby blocking the production of PGE2, which means that serious side effects do not appear even with long-term use. Additionally, it is expected to prevent cell and tissue damage that occurs in autoimmune diseases through its strong antioxidant action.

Researchers at GNT Pharma and Professor Hwayoung Yoon’s team at Seoul National University College of Veterinary Medicine conducted studies to verify the effectiveness of Crisdesalazine in animal models of systemic lupus erythematosus and multiple sclerosis. As a result, the abnormally enlarged spleen size and inflammatory cytokines caused by excessive immune responses significantly decreased after Crisdesalazine administration, and the balance of regulatory T cells and macrophages involved in autoimmune responses was also regulated.

Jinhwan Lee, Head of Animal Health Business at GNT Pharma, said, “Jedacure, which contains Crisdesalazine as the main ingredient, was launched in 2021 as a treatment for cognitive dysfunction syndrome in companion dogs and is currently prescribed at over 1,900 animal hospitals, proving its efficacy and safety. As the indications continue to expand with efficacy verification in autoimmune diseases, we expect Jedacure to become a blockbuster new drug in the animal pharmaceutical market.”

Byungjoo Kwak, CEO of GNT Pharma, stated, “Since the safety of Crisdesalazine has been verified in Phase 1 clinical trials on humans, we plan to conduct Phase 2 clinical trials this year targeting patients with severe Alzheimer’s disease who have cognitive dysfunction and difficulties in daily activities. We will also swiftly conduct precise clinical trials linking non-clinical and clinical studies for additional indications and devote all our capabilities to entering the global market by 2030.”