The p38 mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPK) are a family of serine/threonine protein kinases that play an important role in stress and inflammatory responses. Inhibitors of the p38 family have been shown to have relevant anti-inflammatory effects in preclinical disease models, primarily through the inhibition of the production of key inflammatory mediators, such as TNFα, IL-6.

Palau is developing UR-13870, a novel and highly selective p38 MAPK inhibitor for the treatment of inflammatory and autoimmune disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis, neuropathic pain and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

UR-13870 has shown high efficacy in several models of inflammatory diseases and has successfully overcome toxicity tests in several animal species. Phase I single dose and multiple dose clinical studies in healthy volunteers have recently been completed. UR-13870 was safe and well tolerated, and its pharmacokinetic behaviour was appropriate for clinical use. A Phase I multiple dose safety and PoC clinical study will follow.