WBI-1000 DRUG SERIES - Autoimmune/Inflammatory Disease

The WBI-1000 series of compounds target autoimmune and inflammatory diseases. Welichem's most advanced research program and the lead drug, WBI-1001, has demonstrated high efficacy and low toxicity in animals. Data shows that this series of compounds has immunomodulating effects in human and mouse cells. Specifically, two of these compounds, WBI-1001 and WBI-1062, showed strong activity against T-cells by inhibiting the production of an array of inflammatory molecules. Over activated T-cells is the underlying cause of many autoimmune diseases.

The mechanism of action of this drug is probably through inhibition of some cytokines that are associated with activated T-cells and other immune cells. These results led to investigation of the effects of these compounds in autoimmune diseases such as inflammatory bowel disease and psoriasis.

Market WBI-1000 Series

Psoriasis is a chronic recurrent skin condition that affects 12 million people in the US, Europe, and Japan. There are approximately 300,000 new cases each year, corresponding to a growth rate of 1-2%. At present, the total psoriasis drug market has been estimated at CDN $3-5 billion and is expected to continue growing as new drugs become available. Psoriasis represents a market of significant unmet need with significant potential for growth in drug sales.