TARKINAID objectives
Four objectives, one preclinical programme
From compound selection to disease model validation
The objectives follow the order in which the consortium works: choose and profile inhibitors, test safety and pharmacokinetics, then validate the most promising compounds in models of chronic autoimmune and inflammatory disease.
- Develop novel small molecule anti inflammatory compounds based on the inhibition of Src family kinases in inflammatory cells.
- Predict and optimise the most promising inhibitors through a series of in vitro and additional initial in vivo assays.
- Test safety and pharmacokinetic characteristics of the selected compounds before progression.
- Carry out preclinical analysis of novel Src family kinase inhibitors in various animal models of chronic autoimmune and inflammatory diseases.
Why these objectives
Current therapeutic options for chronic autoimmune and inflammatory diseases remain limited by major side effects and very high costs. The consortium therefore works on a target class that has already proved tractable in oncology, but whose role in inflammatory disease had not been widely appreciated.
Preliminary studies by consortium members indicate a previously unappreciated role of Src family kinases in various aspects of autoimmune inflammatory diseases, which suggests that the kinases may be suitable therapeutic targets. The consortium has also developed and selected a significant number of novel compounds that may serve as early lead molecules.
Competitive position
The initial studies on the role of Src family kinases in inflammatory diseases, and the initial selection of compounds, had not been published at the time of the portal record. The consortium regards this as a major competitive advantage during the development of Src family targeted anti inflammatory therapeutics.
Model systems
The consortium has developed a large number of in vitro and in vivo model systems to test various aspects of autoimmune inflammatory processes. These systems support the core preclinical analysis of the inhibitors in animal models of chronic disease.
The next step in reading the record is the sequence of work, followed by the consortium composition.