DS Biopharma, a Dublin, Ireland-based drug discovery and development company focused on lipid science, has launched a spin-out company called Afimmune focused solely on fibrotic conditions such as non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and pulmonary disorders such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). The new company will continue clinical development of DS102, an anti-fibrotic compound for treating NASH and certain pulmonary disorders.

DS Biopharma will focus on the development of DS107, an anti-inflammatory compound for atopic dermatitis and pruritus, and DS109 for other inflammatory skin disorders such as acne.

Afimmune plans to start a Phase IIa study with DS102 in NASH patients later this year. The company also plans to start a Phase IIa clinical trial in COPD patients following positive preclinical data.

Source: DS Biopharma