SAP-002

SAP-002 (also known as SHP2116) is a preclinical-stage small molecule drug candidate being developed by Shanton Pharma for the treatment of chronic pruritus. It functions as a selective antagonist of the Mas-related G protein-coupled receptor X1 (MRGPRX1), a G protein-coupled receptor primarily expressed in sensory neurons of the dorsal root ganglia. MRGPRX1 is a critical mediator of non-histaminergic itch signals; its activation by various pruritogens triggers the sensation of itching. By blocking this receptor, SAP-002 aims to inhibit the transmission of itch signals to the central nervous system, providing a targeted therapeutic approach for patients with chronic pruritus who do not respond to conventional antihistamine treatments. The drug is part of Shanton Pharma's pipeline focused on addressing unmet medical needs in inflammatory and metabolic diseases.