Incyte reports positive proof-of-concept results for INCB18424, its lead JAK inhibitor, and INCB13739, its lead 11beta-HSD1 inhibitor

Co 's CEO states, "... Our lead compound, INCB18424 has now shown efficacy in these early studies when administered topically in psoriasis and when administered orally in myelofibrosis. Additional trials using the oral formulation are planned in rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, and, potentially, cancers, beyond the myeloproliferative disorders, which means we could have additional proof-of-concept data to report throughout 2008." CEO also states, "For INCB13739, our lead 11beta-HSD1 Inhibitor, interim data from our ongoing Phase IIa study in Type 2 diabetes have shown preliminary evidence of a beneficial effect on glycemic control as measured by fasting blood glucose levels as well as encouragingly positive trends in a limited number of patients who have successfully completed the two-step clamp procedures. Importantly, in addition to improving fasting plasma glucose, INCB13739 appears to be having positive effects on risk factors for cardiovascular disease including reduction of LDL, total cholesterol and triglycerides as well as more modest increases in H.D.L. Provided these positive results continue, we intend to move into a three month Phase IIb trial in type 2 diabetics in the first half of next year."