Cephalon Inc acquired the exclusive option to develop and commercialize products based on K252a, a compound for the topical treatment of psoriasis and for potential use in the prevention and treatment of restenosis (re-narrowing of coronary arteries).

Psoriasis is a skin disorder that affects an estimated 4.5 million adults in the US alone, and is believed to result from inflammation due to overproduction of skin cells. K252a is supposed to work in controlling psoriasis by inhibiting production of keratinocytes, the major cell type making up the epidermis, by blocking the tyrosine kinase receptor (TrkA) of nerve growth factors.

Efficacy studies in different models and safety/pharmacokinetics studies of K252a is currently being evaluated by Bio3 Research and Creabilis Therapeutics, who owns patent applications covering K252a-based products for the treatment of psoriasis.

Source: Creabilis Press Release