Last checked at 
LONDON (Alliance News) - Sareum Holdings PLC said Wednesday it had taken a "promising step" in the development of a potential psoriasis drug in its collaboration with the US research institute SRI International.
Sareum scientists, in collaboration with SRI International, have developed a molecule called SAR-20347, that "significantly decreases psoriasis pathology in a disease model".
Psoriasis is an autoimmune disease that effects the skin, causing red, scaly patches which usually itch. There is no cure currently available for psoriasis, although there are treatments to help control symptoms.
The treatment works by targeting members of the JAK family of Kinase enzymes, which control the production of signalling molecules cytokines that can cause psoriasis when overly activated.
In the psoriasis model system, the molecule led to reduced activation in keratinocytes and a reduction in pro-inflammatory cytokine levels.
"The work reported in this publication exemplifies the success of the collaboration and the quality of research by the scientists involved. I look forward to discussing these latest advances with potential licensing partners," said Chief Executive Officer Tim Mitchell in a statement.
This research has been published in the latest edition of the Journal of Immunology, Sareum said.
Shares in Sareum were trading down 2.3% at 0.586 pence Wednesday morning.
By Hana Stewart-Smith; hanassmith@alliancenews.com; @HanaSSAllNews
Copyright 2014 Alliance News Limited. All Rights Reserved.
