VRG Therapeutics Kv1.3 inhibitor

VRG Therapeutics is developing a highly selective inhibitor of the Kv1.3 voltage-gated potassium channel for the treatment of chronic inflammatory and autoimmune diseases, including atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, alopecia areata, and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Although some pipeline records and early descriptions categorize the program as a small molecule, the lead candidate is a miniprotein-based peptide inhibitor discovered using the company's proprietary ISEP (Individual Sequence Enrichment Pattern) and AI-MPRO platforms. The inhibitor demonstrates subnanomolar binding affinity and over 1200-fold selectivity against homologous ion channels. Its mechanism of action involves the selective blockade of effector memory T cells (TEM), which are uniquely dependent on Kv1.3 channels for activation, thereby providing an immune-sparing therapeutic approach that avoids broad immunosuppression. The lead molecule has been engineered for an extended half-life to support once-monthly subcutaneous dosing and is currently in preclinical development.

Other names

Kv1.3 inhibitor (VRG Therapeutics)