Sareum announces positive results from kinase inhibitor trial

Sareum Holdings announced positive topline results from its phase 1a clinical trial of SDC-1801, a dual TYK2/JAK1 kinase inhibitor under development for treating autoimmune diseases.

The AIM-traded firm said the trial's multiple ascending dose stage revealed that blood plasma levels of SDC-1801 exceeded predicted therapeutic exposure levels, with a half-life of 17 to 20 hours, indicating potential for once-daily dosing.

It said the safety review committee reported no deaths or serious adverse events linked to SDC-1801.

Additionally, initial data, which remained blinded, showed no significant changes in blood cell counts or serum creatinine levels, common dose-limiting side effects seen with brepocitinib, a similar TYK2/JAK1 inhibitor.

“We are delighted that the dosing of subjects in the SDC-1801 clinical trial has been completed successfully and without any serious adverse events,” said chief executive officer Dr Tim Mitchell.

“We look forward to building a strong data package to advance SDC-1801 to the next stage of its development.”

Sareum said further detailed, unblinded data, including mild or moderate adverse events and biomarkers of TYK2 and JAK1 inhibition, was expected in the third quarter of 2024.

“The success of this stage of the clinical trial demonstrates that high blood levels of a dual TYK2/JAK1 kinase inhibitor can be achieved without serious side effects,” added chief scientific officer Dr John Reader.

“Together with the long half-life observed, we believe this potentially gives SDC-1801 significant advantages over its competitors.

“We're grateful to the volunteers who participated in this trial, and to the clinical staff who enabled its timely completion.”

At 1056 BST, shares in Sareum Holdings were up 8.31% at 48.2p.

Reporting by Josh White for Sharecast.com.