Array’s MEK inhibitor, ARRY-438162, will be evaluated in dose escalation studies in normal, healthy volunteers.
Array scientists have previously demonstrated ARRY-438162 to be potent, selective, well-tolerated and efficacious in preclinical models of human inflammatory diseases.
“Advancing ARRY-438162, the first MEK inhibitor specifically developed for the treatment of inflammatory disease, into clinical trials is a significant achievement for Array,” said Dr Kevin Koch, the company’s president and chief scientific officer. “Our goal is to continue building an impressive clinical pipeline of novel small molecule drugs, driving Array’s future growth.”
Array believes MEK inhibition will be useful in treating acute and chronic inflammatory diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and inflammatory bowel disease.
In addition, the biopharmaceutical company’s first MEK inhibitor, ARRY-142886, was licensed to AstraZeneca AB for cancer and is currently in clinical development.