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Ajulemic acid: potential treatment for chronic inflammation
1Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Pharmacology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA.
Pharmacology Research & Perspectives
|April 12, 2018
Summary
Ajulemic acid (AJA) is a novel, nonpsychoactive drug that resolves chronic inflammation and fibrosis. Clinical trials show AJA is safe and effective for treating rare inflammatory diseases, offering disease modification beyond symptomatic relief.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacology
- Immunology
- Drug Development
Background:
- Ajulemic acid (AJA) is a synthetic, orally active cannabinoid-derived drug targeting the CB2 receptor.
- AJA is nonpsychoactive and has demonstrated a favorable safety, tolerability, and pharmacokinetic profile in preclinical and early clinical studies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of AJA in preclinical models of inflammation and fibrosis.
- To assess the safety and potential therapeutic benefits of AJA for chronic inflammatory and fibrotic diseases.
Main Methods:
- Preclinical studies in inflammation and fibrosis models.
- Phase 1 and 2 clinical trials assessing safety, tolerability, and pharmacokinetics.
- Ongoing Phase 2 and 3 clinical trials for systemic sclerosis, cystic fibrosis, dermatomyositis, and systemic lupus erythematosus.
Main Results:
- AJA effectively suppresses tissue scarring and resolves chronic inflammation and fibrosis.
- Phase 2 trials indicate AJA is safe and a potential treatment for orphan inflammatory diseases.
- AJA exhibits a unique inflammation-resolving mechanism distinct from NSAIDs.
Conclusions:
- Ajulemic acid is a potent, disease-modifying anti-inflammatory and anti-fibrotic agent.
- AJA shows promise for treating a wide range of chronic inflammatory conditions, including systemic sclerosis, cystic fibrosis, and dermatomyositis.
- Further Phase 3 trials are underway to confirm the safety and efficacy of AJA.
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