WASHU-106

WASHU-106 (also known as WU-106) is a novel, potent, gut-restricted small molecule dual inhibitor of integrin α4β1 (VLA-4) and α4β7. Developed by researchers at the Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, WASHU-106 is designed to target lymphocyte trafficking for the treatment of inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), such as ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease, as well as to serve as a G-CSF-free hematopoietic stem and progenitor cell (HSPC) mobilization agent for stem cell transplantation and in vivo gene therapies (e.g., for sickle cell disease). WASHU-106 is a polyethylene glycol (PEG)-conjugated small molecule (containing 24 PEG units) which exhibits excellent aqueous solubility and an improved pharmacokinetic profile. In preclinical models of colitis, oral administration of WASHU-106 significantly attenuated inflammation and restricted lymphocyte egress from gut-associated lymphoid tissue (GALT) without causing Peyer's patch attrition. In HSPC mobilization, subcutaneous administration of WASHU-106, particularly in combination with CXCR4 inhibitors like plerixafor, rapidly and synergistically mobilizes stem cells into peripheral circulation.