Conduit Pharmaceuticals announced progress in its preclinical and clinical pipeline, including studies for AZD5658 in lupus, Phase IIa trial design for AZD1656, formulation optimization, and intellectual property expansion. The company is evaluating glucokinase inhibitors for autoimmune diseases, with a focus on lupus, anticipating results in Q2 2025. Conduit is also optimizing the Phase II trial design for AZD1656 in systemic lupus erythematosus with nephritis and ANCA-associated vasculitis.
This progress signals a potential shift in the treatment landscape for autoimmune diseases like lupus, SLE, and AAV. Positive preclinical data for AZD5658 could validate glucokinase inhibition as a viable therapeutic strategy for lupus, potentially leading to new treatment options for this complex disease. Advancement of AZD1656 into Phase II trials demonstrates Conduit’s commitment to addressing unmet needs in multisystem autoimmune diseases where current treatments are often limited.
Conduit is partnering with Charles River Laboratories for preclinical lupus studies and Agility Life Sciences for formulation development. The company has secured composition-of-matter patents for AZD1656 in Japan and Australia, with pending applications in other regions, strengthening its IP portfolio. Formulation optimization efforts for AZD1656, AZD5904, and AZD5658 aim to improve drug delivery and patient compliance.
These developments position Conduit for potential growth and partnerships. Positive preclinical and Phase IIa results could attract collaborators or licensing agreements, accelerating development and commercialization. A robust IP portfolio further enhances the value of Conduit’s pipeline and strengthens its position for future out-licensing deals. Successful clinical outcomes could ultimately lead to new, more effective treatment options for patients with autoimmune diseases.
Jon Napitupulu is Director of Media Relations at The Clinical Trial Vanguard. Jon, a computer data scientist, focuses on the latest clinical trial industry news and trends.
