K-832

K-832 is an orally bioavailable small molecule antagonist of G protein-coupled receptor 84 (GPR84), developed by Kowa Company, Ltd. (Kowa Research Europe). GPR84 is a pro-inflammatory G protein-coupled receptor that is highly expressed on myeloid cells, including neutrophils, monocytes, and macrophages, and is activated by medium-chain fatty acids (MCFAs). By antagonizing GPR84, K-832 is designed to suppress the activation and chemotaxis of these inflammatory cells, thereby reducing the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines and alleviating joint inflammation in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. A Phase 2 clinical trial (NCT01941108) was conducted to evaluate the efficacy, safety, and dose-response of K-832 in adults with active rheumatoid arthritis, using the ACR20 response at 16 weeks as a primary endpoint. However, the compound is no longer listed in Kowa's active development pipeline for this indication.