JB991

JB991 is a cyclopentenone prostaglandin analogue intended for treatment of psoriasis. The drug exerts marked antiproliferative and pro-apoptotic effect in human keratinocytes and fibroblasts in vitro. In addition a closely related cyclopentenone prostaglandin analogue has been shown to exert marked anti-inflammatory effect in vivo in an animal model. JB991 is intended for local treatment of psoriasis and the first phase I-IIA clinical trial is scheduled to start in the spring of 2006. The drug will be applied topically on the skin.

Psoriasis is an inherited chronic skin disease characterized by hyperkeratotic skin plaques in its most common form. The prevalence of psoriasis is 1-2% of the general population.

JB991 is also intended for prevention of fibrosis (scar formation) after glaucoma surgery, and a formulation for topical use on the eye is under development.

Patents have been issued for the psoriasis indication and the glaucoma surgery indication.