deimmunized uricase

Deimmunized uricase is a therapeutic recombinant protein being developed by Insmed for the treatment of chronic refractory gout. As a variant of the enzyme urate oxidase (uricase), it functions by catalyzing the oxidation of uric acid into allantoin, a much more soluble compound that is easily excreted by the kidneys. While uricase is naturally absent in humans, its therapeutic use is often hampered by high immunogenicity, leading to the formation of anti-drug antibodies (ADAs) that neutralize the enzyme and cause infusion reactions. Insmed's candidate is engineered to be deimmunized to reduce these immune responses while maintaining enzymatic activity, potentially offering a more durable and safer treatment option for patients who have failed standard urate-lowering therapies. The program was expected to produce preclinical data in 2024.

Other names

deimmunized urate oxidase