Molecule

Description

Inflammation

Description

VX-702 is a highly selective inhibitor of p38 MAPKα with IC50 of 4-20 nM.

Targets

IC₅₀

In Vitro

Pre-incubation of platelets with VX-702 (1 μM) completely or partially inhibits p38 activation (IC50 4 to 20 nM) induced by platelet agonists including thrombin, SFLLRN, AYPGKF, U46619 and collagen. VX-702 shows no effect on platelet aggregation induced by any of the p38 MAPK agonists in the presence or absence of anti-platelet therapies. ^[1] VX-702 inhibits the production of IL-6, IL-1β and TNFα (IC50 = 59, 122 and 99 ng/mL, respectively) in a dose-dependent manner. ^[2]

In Vivo

The half-life of VX-702 is 16 to 20 hours, with a median clearance of 3.75 L/h and a volume of distribution of 73 L/kg. Both AUC and C_max values are dose proportional for VX-702, which is predominantly cleared renally. ^[2] VX-702 (at a dose of 0.1 mg/kg twice daily) has an equivalent effect as that of methotrexate (0.1 mg/kg). In addition, VX-702 (5 mg/kg twice daily) also has an equivalent effect as prednisolone (10 mg/kg once daily), as measured by percentage inhibition of wrist joint erosion and inflammation score. ^[3] VX-702 selectively inhibits activation of p38 MAPK after ischemia with no effects on ERKs and JNKs. The MI/AAR ratio is significantly reduced in the 50 mg/kg group compared with the 5 mg/kg and vehicle groups.^[4]

Clinical Trials

VX-702 is currently in Phase II clinical trial in patients with rheumatoid arthritis.

Features

VX-702 is a highly selective, orally active inhibitor of p38 MAPK

Animal Models

Mouse with collagen-induced arthritis

Formulation

Doses

≤10 mg/kg

Administration

Administered via p.o.