Psoriasis (SWT01113 and SWT01114)

Psoriasis is an immune-mediated chronic skin disorder characterised by an inflammatory infiltrate into the skin and hyperproliferation of keratinocytes. With psoriasis, hyperproliferation of keratinocytes leads to hyper-thickening of the epidermis and excessive scaling of the patient′s skin. Typically, the turnover of epidermal cells is increased from 28 to 7 days. Other main features include increased vascularization/angiogenesis and inflammation/immune cell infiltration (both processes that lead to erythema). Another hallmark is excessive T-cell activation (especially memory T-cells), which provides the rationale for the novel treatments with immunosuppressants. Antigen-presenting cells, T-cells, keratinocytes and endothelial cells secrete pro-inflammatory cytokines (e.g. TNFalpha) that create a feed-back loop - a self-perpetuating cycle that causes chronic disease.

SWITCH Biotech currently has two candidates that have shown activity in psoriasis.

Atopic Dermatitis (SWT01113 and SWT05141)

Atopic dermatitis is a chronic (long-lasting) disease that affects the skin. It is not contagious; it cannot be passed from one person to another. The word "dermatitis" means inflammation of the skin. "Atopic" refers to a group of diseases where there is often an inherited tendency to develop other allergic conditions, such as asthma and hay fever. In atopic dermatitis, the skin becomes extremely itchy. Scratching leads to redness, swelling, cracking, "weeping" clear fluid, and finally, crusting and scaling. In most cases, there are periods of time when the disease is worse (called exacerbations or flares) followed by periods when the skin improves or clears up entirely (called remissions). As some children with atopic dermatitis grow older, their skin disease improves or disappears altogether, although their skin often remains dry and easily irritated. In others, atopic dermatitis continues to be a significant problem in adulthood.

Two pre-clinical candidates discovered by SWTICH Biotech have demonstrated activity in treating atopic dermatitis.

Vitiligo (SWT05104 and SWT05105)

Vitiligo is a pigmentation disorder characterized by the disappearance of pigment from the epidermis resulting in well defined, often symmetrically distributed white patches. The loss of the pigment melanin makes the lesional skin sensitive to UV radiation.

Vitiligo can be disfiguring and stigmatizing thereby causing significant psychological problems. It affects approximately 1% of the population worldwide, males and females equally, between 10-30 years of age. The aetiopathogenesis is unknown, but seems to be complex and includes genetic factors, autoimmune reactions, toxic metabolites, and/or a higher sensitivity of melanocytes. Although there are different approaches to the treatment of vitiligo, therapy is still far from being satisfactory for most patients.

Currently two potential candidates indentified by SWITCH Biotech have demonstrated promising activity in pre-clinical settings.

Alopecia - Hair Loss (To Be Determined)

Only limited knowledge about androgenic alopecia exists. One genetic pathway, the androgen metabolism, provides clues that might lead to the development of efficacious treatments. SWITCH Biotech intends to develop a drug that either prolongs the hair cycle, stops the miniaturization of the hair follicle, or blocks the signals from the dermal papilla that inhibit hair growth.

The molecular pathways that govern these biological processes are still to be elucidated, but SWITCH Biotech has established all of the necessary components and technologies required for a successful androgenic alopecia research program.

Fibromyalgia (SWT06101)

Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition characterized by widespread pain in your muscles, ligaments and tendons, as well as fatigue and multiple tender points — places on your body where slight pressure causes pain. Fibromyalgia is more common in women than in men. Previously, fibromyalgia was known by other names such as fibrositis, chronic muscle pain syndrome, psychogenic rheumatism and tension myalgias.

The disease isn't progressive and generally doesn't lead to other conditions or diseases. It can, however, cause pain, depression and lack of sleep. These problems can then interfere with your ability to function at home or on the job, or maintain close family or personal relationships. The frustration of dealing with an often-misunderstood condition also can be a complication of the condition.

SWITCH Biotech currently has a therapeutic candidate that has been studied in a small group of patients with very promising results.  Larger studies based on these results are in the process of being developed.