Almirall signs atopic dermatitis R&D deal with Hitgen

Almirall has signed a new research collaboration with Chinese biotech HitGen, to find potential new oral therapies for moderate to severe atopic dermatitis – otherwise known as eczema. The Spanish dermatology specialist is conducting a multi-target research collaboration with companies using technology involving DNA-encoded libraries, for targets in atopic dermatitis to develop novel oral chemical entities for patients suffering from moderate to severe atopic dermatitis. DNA-encoded library technology allows for large-scale screening and synthesis of small molecule compounds, with the aim of accelerating the drug discovery process. Almirall’s move is interesting given that Sanofi has shown that drugs for eczema are highly marketable with its injected drug Dupixent (dupilumab). But patients may prefer to take oral medicines instead, creating a possible market opportunity for any company able to make a similarly effective oral drug.