VRN024219

VRN024219 is a novel small molecule inhibitor of Dual-specificity Tyrosine-phosphorylation-Regulated Kinase 1A (DYRK1A) developed by Voronoi Inc. for the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), including ulcerative colitis. The compound functions by modulating T-cell differentiation, specifically by downregulating the differentiation of pro-inflammatory Th17 cells and enhancing the differentiation of regulatory T (Treg) cells. This shift in the Th17/Treg balance leads to a significant reduction in the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as IL-17A, IL-6, and TNF-α. In preclinical studies, VRN024219 demonstrated superior efficacy in alleviating disease severity in experimental colitis models compared to the JAK inhibitor tofacitinib. In 2021, Voronoi licensed its DYRK1A inhibitor program (VRN02) to Daewoong Pharmaceutical for further global development.