Asahi Kasei and PeptiDream Dose First Patient in Phase I Trial of TNFR1 Antagonist Peptide AK1940
Asahi Kasei initiated a Phase I trial in Japan of AK1940, a selective TNF receptor 1 antagonist peptide discovered jointly with PeptiDream for autoimmune and inflammatory diseases. The trial will assess PK, safety, and tolerability of single and multiple subcutaneous doses in healthy volunteers; preclinical models showed high TNFR1 selectivity and anti-inflammatory activity without blocking TNFR2 signaling.