Biocad's IL-17 inhibitor shows high efficacy in mid-stage trial

Russia’s leading biotech firm Biocad has analyzed results from its Phase II study in which the original Russian interleukin (IL)-17 inhibitor proved highly effective in long-term therapy in patients with severe psoriasis. The drug also showed positive results in the treatment of ankylosing spondylitis.

BCD-085 is an original monoclonal antibody drug blocking interleukin-17, a cytokine playing a key role in developing and maintaining various autoimmune and immuno-inflammatory diseases.

The worldwide prevalence of psoriasis and ankylosing spondylitis is high – about 4% of the world population. The majority of psoriasis patients have serious psychological problems due to social isolation, while patients with ankylosing spondylitis may rapidly become disabled if diagnosed late or treated inappropriately. Both diseases are a serious medical and social challenge, especially because they often affect young people of working age (22 to 35 years old). The European market of IL-17 inhibitors is over $700 million and it is expected to grow to $1,677 million within next five years. Biocad expects to gain an essential share of this market.