Phase
Phase 1
- Limited efficacy of first generation DHODH inhibitors. Potent inhibition of DHODH. ASLAN003 is more than 30 times more potent at inhibiting the DHODH enzyme than teriflunomide. ASLAN003 has been shown to be well tolerated at doses up to 400 mg/day in 119 subjects across Phase 1 and Phase 2 clinical studies and is suitable for once-daily oral dosing.
- Lack of toxicities associated with first generation inhibitors. Existing DHODH inhibitors, such as leflunomide and teriflunomide, have associated toxicities requiring safety monitoring that make them less suited as long term treatment options. Both of these drugs take between three and four weeks to build to therapeutic levels and two years to clear completely after dosing is stopped.
ASLAN has previously observed anti-viral activity of ASLAN003 against Dengue and Zika viruses and recently determined that ASLAN003 has nanomolar potency against SARS-CoV-2 in Vero E6 cells (EC50 = 1.4 nM). ASLAN is currently assessing the potential of ASLAN003 as a treatment for COVID-19 and other viral infections and will provide an update when clinical development plans have been determined.
In 2019, ASLAN completed a Phase 2 study testing ASLAN003 in AML. Following an internal strategic review and noting changes in the AML treatment landscape, ASLAN will be focusing the future development of ASLAN003 in autoimmune disease.
Partners
Originator
ASLAN has partnered with Almirall for the development of ASLAN003. Almirall is a leading skin-health focused global pharmaceutical company that partners with healthcare professionals, applying Science to provide medical solutions to patients and future generations. The company, founded in 1943 and with headquarters in Barcelona, is listed on the Spanish Stock Exchange (ticker: ALM).
To learn more about Almirall, please visit www.almirall.com
Outlicenced Partner
ASLAN has partnered with BioGenetics for the commercialisation of varlitinib and ASLAN003 in South Korea. BioGenetics, formerly Unidus Corporation, is a Korea-based company established in 1973 engaged in the manufacturing of medical products. As part of the company’s diversification strategy, BioGenetics established its biopharmaceutical division in April 2018 and appointed Mr Joohoon Ahn, as CEO of the newly established division. Mr Ahn was most recently Senior Managing Director at Kwangdong Pharmaceuticals, one of the top 3 domestic pharmaceutical companies in Korea, and has 28 years of experience in the Korean pharma industry in regulatory affairs, commercialisation, and business development. Biogenetics is co-developing WM-S1-001 for Erbitux®-resistant colon cancer with WellMarkerBio, a spin-off company from Asan Medical Center, one of the largest private hospitals in Korea.