IL21120033

IL21120033 is a first-in-class, orally available small molecule that acts as a highly selective agonist of the chemokine receptor CXCR7. Developed by iLeadBMS, a spin-off from Ildong Pharmaceutical Group, IL21120033 has been granted Orphan Drug Designation by the US FDA for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). The drug’s mechanism involves activating CXCR7, which binds and reduces levels of the pro-inflammatory chemokine ligand CXCL12. This action leads to anti-fibrotic and anti-inflammatory effects by indirectly inhibiting the CXCR4-CXCL12 signaling pathway—key in fibrosis and inflammation—and promoting β-arrestin signaling for tissue repair and cell survival. Preclinical studies have demonstrated efficacy in models of pulmonary fibrosis, heart failure, and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), with superior safety compared to existing antifibrotic therapies[1][2][3][4][6].