China-based InnoCare Pharma has received investigational new drug (IND) approval from China's National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) to commence clinical studies for ICP-538, a VAV1-targeting molecular glue degrader. This marks the first drug of its class to enter clinical development in the country and the second globally. VAV1 is a key protein in T-cell and B-cell receptor signalling pathways and is considered a promising target for the treatment of refractory autoimmune diseases such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and multiple sclerosis (MS).

ICP-538 is an orally administered, highly selective molecular glue designed to degrade the VAV1 protein by recruiting the CRBN E3 ubiquitin ligase. Preclinical studies have demonstrated that the drug induces rapid and dose-dependent degradation of VAV1, leading to a significant reduction in disease-related cytokines without detectable off-target effects. This mechanism aims to modulate immune cell activation and proliferation, offering a novel potential approach for treating autoimmune and inflammatory conditions.

PharmCube's NextBiopharm® database lists a total of 10 companies developing VAV1 molecular glues, although Monte Rosa and Novartis are partnered on the same project. Click here to request a free trial for NextBiopharm®.