Lexicon Genetics Initiating IND-Enabling Studies for LX2931 for Autoimmune Disease
Tuesday October 17, 6:00 am ET
Lexicon Updates Status of Additional Programs
THE WOODLANDS, Texas, Oct. 17 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Lexicon Genetics Incorporated (Nasdaq: LEXG - News) announced today that it is commencing formal preclinical development for LX2931 in preparation for an Investigational New Drug (IND) application. LX2931 is a novel, orally-available small molecule compound with potential application in the treatment of autoimmune diseases such as multiple sclerosis and rheumatoid arthritis.
In preclinical models, LX2931 inhibits the in vivo activity of an enzyme that is associated with immune response and lymphocyte migration. LX2931 resulted from Lexicon's internal target and drug discovery efforts. Lexicon discovered that mice lacking this enzyme displayed a dramatic reduction in T cells and B cells in the peripheral blood. In preclinical research, LX2931 significantly reduced inflammatory response in mice and decreased lymphocyte counts in multiple species.
"LX2931 represents a potential new mechanism for the treatment of immune system disorders characterized by inappropriate lymphocyte activation," said Arthur T. Sands, M.D., Ph.D., Lexicon's president and chief executive officer. "LX2931 is the third internal Lexicon drug discovery program to enter formal preclinical development. We expect additional programs within our pipeline, such as LG267, to reach this milestone within the next few months. We continue to anticipate that we will file an IND for LX1031 for irritable bowel syndrome later this year."
Lexicon is conducting preclinical research with lead small molecule compounds that inhibit LG267, a kinase that regulates immune cell activation and affects lymphocyte proliferation. Lexicon discovered that mice lacking this kinase exhibit a reduced number of white blood cells. Lexicon's lead compound in its LG267 drug discovery program blocks the in vivo activity of this kinase in preclinical models. When dosed in mice in combination with chemotherapeutic agents, Lexicon's compound also increases neutrophil counts, and may protect against neutropenia caused by chemotherapy, potentially enhancing recovery from chemotherapy in cancer patients.
About Lexicon Genetics
Lexicon Genetics is a biopharmaceutical company focused on discovering and developing breakthrough treatments for human disease. Lexicon is systematically discovering the physiological and behavioral functions of genes to identify potential points of therapeutic intervention, or drug targets. Lexicon makes these discoveries using its proprietary gene knockout technology to model the physiological effects that could be expected from prospective drugs addressing these targets. For targets that the company believes have high pharmaceutical value, it engages in programs for the discovery and development of small molecule, antibody and protein drugs. Lexicon has advanced knockout-validated targets into drug discovery programs in six therapeutic areas: diabetes and obesity, cardiovascular disease, psychiatric and neurological disorders, cancer, immune system disorders and ophthalmic disease. Lexicon is working both independently and through collaborations and strategic alliances to accelerate the development and commercialization of its discoveries. |
