HWS113

HWS113 is a humanized monoclonal antibody developed by the Hubei Institute of Biopharmaceutical Industry for the treatment of chronic pruritus. It specifically targets Interleukin-31 (IL-31), a cytokine often referred to as the "itch cytokine" due to its central role in mediating pruritus in various inflammatory skin conditions, such as atopic dermatitis and prurigo nodularis. By binding to and neutralizing IL-31, HWS113 prevents the cytokine from interacting with its receptor complex (IL-31RA and OSMRβ) on sensory neurons and immune cells, thereby disrupting the signaling pathway that transmits itch sensations. The drug is currently undergoing Phase 1 clinical evaluation in healthy volunteers to assess its safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics, and immunogenicity.