HL4134

HL4134 is an investigational, orally administered cyclic peptide designed to selectively target the interleukin-23 receptor (IL-23R). Developed by HighsLab Therapeutics, HL4134 acts as an antagonist that blocks the interaction between IL-23 and its receptor, thereby inhibiting downstream signaling pathways such as STAT3 phosphorylation and the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines (including IL-17A, IL-17F, IL-22, and IFN-γ). In preclinical models of psoriasis, oral administration of HL4134 demonstrated robust efficacy, significant reduction in skin thickness, and amelioration of psoriasiform lesions, with skin tissue exposure levels predicted to be comparable or superior to leading injectable anti-IL-23 monoclonal antibodies like risankizumab and guselkumab.