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Our Pipeline and Progress

Developing first-in-class Nck modulators for autoimmune disease

Our first-in-class, novel mechanism holds broad potential to treat T cell mediated autoimmune diseases such as psoriasis, atopic dermatitis, psoriatic arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, and many others, while simultaneously allowing the body to fight foreign pathogens.

AX-158
Discovery
Preclinical
Phase 1
Phase 2
Status
Atopic dermatitis
Phase 2
Phase 2 data in 2027
Rheumatoid arthritis
Phase 2
Phase 2 data in 2027
Psoriasis
Phase 1
Ph2a PoC Study Completed
AX-194
Discovery
Preclinical
Phase 1
Phase 2
Status
CAR-T, I/O, autoimmune
Preclinical
Phase 1 in 2026

Atopic dermatitis

Atopic dermatitis (AD), or eczema, is a chronic inflammatory disease marked by dry, itchy, and inflamed skin. It can significantly impair quality of life, leading to sleep disruption, emotional distress, and increased risk of infection. Over 16 million adults in the U.S. are affected, with up to 50% of moderate-to-severe cases not achieving sustained control on current therapies. AD is driven by dysregulated T-Cell responses, particularly Th2-skewed inflammation, leading to chronic skin inflammation and disruption of the skin’s natural barrier function. Our Nck modulators are novel immunomodulatory agents in development that regulate T-Cell receptor signaling across the Th2, Th17 and Th1/Th0 pathways. We plan to initiate a Phase 2 clinical trial with candidate AX-158 in patients with moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis in 2025.

Rheumatoid arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune disease that causes joint swelling, pain, and stiffness, and can lead to long-term damage of joints, affecting over 1.3 million adults in the U.S. RA can severely impair mobility and quality of life, and is often accompanied by fatigue and systemic complications. Many patients fail to achieve meaningful responses and lasting remission with current treatments. RA is characterized by dysregulated and inappropriate T-Cell responses, including Th1 and Th17 activity, which promotes chronic joint inflammation and contributes to synovial tissue damage. Our Nck modulators offer a novel approach to RA and other T-Cell driven autoimmune diseases by targeting T-Cell receptor signaling to restore immune balance and reduce chronic inflammation while avoiding broad immunosuppression.

Psoriasis

Psoriasis is an autoimmune disease affecting the skin. It causes a rash with itchy, scaly patches, most commonly on the knees, elbows, trunk, and scalp. Psoriasis is a long-term disease with no cure. It can be painful, interfere with sleep, and make it hard to concentrate. It is estimated that more than 7 million adults in the US have psoriasis today. AX-158 is an oral agent evaluated in patients with mild to moderate psoriasis, with encouraging Phase 2a results reported in early 2025.

Find out more about our clinical trials
See our scientific publications