Celon Pharma S.A.’s innovative research and development project among the projects on inflammatory diseases to receive co-financing from the National Centre for Research and Development

The project entitled "Selective JAK inhibitor in treatment of immune diseases" received co-financing in the amount of PLN 21,712,490.32 under the Smart Growth Operational Programme 2014-2020.

The aim of the project is preclinical evaluation and clinical development (phase I and IIa trials conducted on patients) of an innovative drug candidate developed by the company to be used in treatment of immune diseases. This is yet another project implemented by the Celon Pharma S.A. Research and Development Centre.

Jerzy Pieczykolan, PhD, Head of the Preclinical Research Department in Celon Pharma S.A: Excessive activation of the JAK/STAT pathway has been confirmed in immune diseases. In this case the role of the JAK kinases is based on the induction and maintenance of inflammation. That is why studies conducted in this field have proven that inhibiting JAK kinases can constitute an effective therapeutic pathway in a large range of indications, in oncology by way of inhibiting excessive cell growth and proliferation (such as e.g. an JAK2 inhibitor in myeloproliferative syndromes and leukemias), or immunology, by regulating the secretion of inflammatory cytokines (e.g. JAK1 inhibitor in chronic lung inflammation) and in transplantation due to an immunosuppressive effect (inhibition of JAK3 kinase). In our project we focus on clinical development of the drug candidate to be used in immune diseases.

Maciej Wieczorek, PHD, MD, CEO of Celon Pharma S.A.: There is a huge need for developing new drugs to be used in immune diseases which would be as effective as steroids, but with a lesser impact on the patient. JAK inhibitors are exactly such drugs: their effectiveness is high, in many indications comparable to that of steroids, and yet they are free of the side effects characteristic of steroids. Our JAK inhibitor may be one of the best molecules in its class. Immune diseases constitute both a very attractive business market and one of the most important therapeutic indications. Efforts to develop safe JAK inhibitors are made by European, American and Japanese companies. I am happy that we can join this race thanks to the funds obtained from the Smart Growth Operational Programme (POIR).

The project received funding under the Smart Growth Operational Programme 2014-2020. Subaction: Industrial research and development works carried out by enterprises 1.1.1.

The value of the project is: PLN 32,761,042.67

Including co-financing: PLN 21,712,490.32

Project duration: 2016-2019.