WBI-1001: A Non-steroidal and Non-immunosuppressive Anti-inflammatory Compound

WBI-1001 was discovered as a unique anti-inflammatory agent using the Company’s SYMBIOCHEM drug discovery platform. The Company is focused on the development of WBI-1001 as a novel topical treatment for psoriasis and atopic dermatitis (a type of eczema) and is currently in Phase II clinical studies for both indications.

Anti-inflammatory Activity:

WBI-1001 has been shown to significantly inhibit the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as interferon γ (IFN-γ), interleukin 2 (IL-2), and tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α). These cytokines are directly associated with autoimmune and inflammatory diseases and have been targeted in many inflammatory diseases.

WBI-1001 strongly inhibited the migration of PBMC towards leukotrine B4 (LTB4) at sub-toxic doses, indicating that WBI-1001 may block the infiltration process of lymphocytes in vivo which plays a critical role in the pathogenesis of various inflammatory diseases.

Strong and direct anti-inflammatory responses to WBI-1001 were demonstrated using a mouse ear edema model. When topically applied in the chemically induced ear inflammatory model, WBI-1001 exhibited a dose-dependent response by reducing both ear skin redness and thickness.

Clinical Development:

Effective, safe and inexpensive topical treatment of psoriasis and eczema represent highly unmet medical needs. As a novel non-steroidal and non-immunosuppressive anti-inflammatory agent, WBI-1001 has an advantage over existing topical symptom-based therapies by targeting multiple aspects of the pathogenesis in psoriasis and eczema.

Two clinical studies have been completed on WBI-1001 creams. It has been demonstrated that 0.5 % and 1.0 % WBI-1001 creams are safe and well tolerated by patients with psoriasis or atopic dermatitis (AD). In terms of efficacy, WBI-1001 has shown very promising effectiveness against both psoriasis and AD.

To further confirm its efficacy in psoriasis and AD and continue to evaluate its safety and tolerability for a period up to three months, two phase II studies (one on AD and another one on psoriasis) has been recently approved by Health Canada. One of the studies is currently enrolling the patients. Both study results are expected in the second half of year 2010.

Additional Indications:

Due to its specific and strong immunomodulating activity, WBI-1001 can potentially be an effective treatment for other autoimmune and inflammatory disorders as well. WBI-1001 has been shown to have significant efficacy in treating inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) in animal models.