Psoriasis

Our lead drug candidate, WBI-1001, is targeted as a topical cream treatment for autoimmune/inflammatory skin diseases, such as psoriasis and eczema.

Psoriasis is a chronic, recurring, skin condition that causes outbreaks of skin inflammation accompanied by one or more raised, scaly red patches of skin; it affects 1–3% of the world’s population. In general, psoriasis is largely under-diagnosed and under-treated. So far, there is no cure for this disease and it is estimated that the psoriasis market sales were US$1.95 billion in 2005.

Moderate to severe forms of psoriasis is most effectively treated by injected biologic drugs though they are expensive and often cause side effects. However, 80% of psoriasis patients have a mild to moderate form of the disease, and there is an unmet need for a drug that can be easily applied, has long term efficacy and safety. Welichem’s drug candidate, WBI-1001, is a small molecule compound that can be easily applied as a cream to the affected areas and be absorbed by the skin. It is especially effective in patients with mild-to-moderate psoriasis, the response is rapid and there are minimal side effects.

Welichem has demonstrated that the WBI-1000 series of compounds has potential for the treatment of psoriasis as well as other autoimmune/inflammatory diseases. Mechanism of action studies suggest that these WBI compounds disrupt the key pathologies of such diseases by selectively blocking T-cell activation, selected cytokines and cell migration. Welichem's WBI-1001 compound shows good potential for treating psoriasis and eczema, and its synthesis has been successfully scaled up for manufacturing on a commercial scale. Welichem’s lead drug candidate, WBI-1001, recently successfully completed a Phase I clinical trial against mild-to-moderate psoriasis in Montreal, Canada without any adverse side effects, and Phase II Clinical Trials are planned for later in 2009.