icanbelimod

Icanbelimod is an **orally administered, small molecule** designed as a **next-generation, highly potent, and selective modulator of the sphingosine 1-phosphate receptor 1 (S1P1)**, with notable activity for S1P5 and no significant activity on S1P3 receptors. It reduces **circulating lymphocyte counts** by inhibiting lymphocyte egress from lymph nodes, thereby reducing immune activity. In multiple Phase 1 and 2 trials, icanbelimod demonstrated significant improvements in clinical remission and response for patients with **moderate-to-severe ulcerative colitis**, with statistically significant improvements versus placebo and a favorable safety profile. The drug is characterized by its **oral once-daily dosing**, rapid plasma elimination (short half-life), and rapid recovery of lymphocyte counts after discontinuation, potentially reducing the risk of infection and allowing flexible treatment transitions. Icanbelimod's development is led by Connect Biopharma and is currently under further investigation in advanced clinical trials for ulcerative colitis, with potential applications in other chronic inflammatory diseases.

Other names

1-(2-fluoro-4-(5-(4-isobutylphenyl)-1,2,4-oxadiazol-3-yl)benzyl)azetidine-3-carboxylic acid hemihydrate