Incyte and CMS Announce Collaboration and License Agreement for Povorcitinib, an Oral JAK1 Inhibitor, in Mainland China, Hong Kong, Macau, Taiwan and Southeast Asia - Seite 2

The transaction is effective immediately upon the execution of the Collaboration and License Agreement.

About Povorcitinib

Povorcitinib is a selective oral small-molecule JAK1 inhibitor, with compound and use patents in certain countries/regions in the Territory. Currently, povorcitinib is in Phase 3 clinical trials for non-segmental vitiligo and HS in multiple countries outside of China. Additionally, Phase 2 clinical studies of povorcitinib for PN, asthma and chronic spontaneous urticaria are also ongoing.

About Vitiligo

Vitiligo is a chronic autoimmune disease characterized by depigmentation of the skin, which results from the loss of pigment-producing cells known as melanocytes. Overactivity of the JAK signaling pathway is believed to drive inflammation involved in the pathogenesis and progression of vitiligo.

It is estimated that there are approximately 14 million vitiligo patients in China and 6.5 million in the eleven Southeast Asian countries respectively. Non-segmental vitiligo patients account for approximately 85% of them¹. Vitiligo can occur at any age, although many patients with vitiligo will experience initial onset before the age of 30². Currently, therapeutic options for vitiligo are limited, and the condition is difficult to treat, especially for patients with moderate to severe extensive vitiligo.

About Hidradenitis Suppurativa (HS)

HS is a chronic recurrent inflammatory skin condition characterized by the presence of painful inflammatory nodules, abscesses, ruptures, as well as the formation of sinus tracts and scarring. Overactivity of the JAK signaling pathway is believed to drive inflammation involved in the pathogenesis and progression of HS³.

It is estimated that there are approximately 470 thousand HS patients in China, about 75% of whom are moderate to severe patients⁴. Additionally, it is estimated that there are approximately 13 thousand HS patients in the six Southeast Asian countries, comprising Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia, Philippine, Vietnam and Indonesia. HS has been included in the second batch of the Rare Disease List in China. Given the debilitating nature of condition, it can have a profoundly negative effect on patients’ quality of life. However, currently in China, there are no biologics or small molecule medicines approved by the National Medical Products Administration for the treatment of HS, creating an urgent need for effective therapeutic options⁵.