Based on discoveries from the basic research program of our co-founder and Chief Scientific Advisor, Dr. Taku Kambayashi, Abrax Japan is currently developing its first product candidate for the treatment of chronic hand eczema.

Chronic hand eczema (CHE) refers to an eczematous process that lasts more than 3 months or relapses twice or more within a year. CHE is one of the most prevalent skin conditions worldwide, affecting more than 10% of population. It is also considered the most common occupational skin disease, comprising 9 – 35% of all occupational diseases and up to 80% or more of all occupational contact dermatitis. The only medication approved to treat CHE is Toctino^Ò (alitretinoin) for use in adults with severe CHE that is unresponsive to potent topical corticosteroids, but it is not available in the U.S. and Japan. Therefore, there exists a hugely unmet medical need for patients with CHE. Additionally, the global CHE market is growing very rapidly due to the emergence of JAK inhibitor-based drugs that are expected to increase the overall market size and awareness of this condition. However, these JAK inhibitor drugs are accompanied by strong side effects. Abrax product can potentially differentiate itself from JAK inhibitors based on its enhanced safety and novel modes of action.

Abrax’s formulation under development is a fast-drying, topical spray product that is easy to apply; unlike conventional products, it is applied to healthy areas of skin, not lesions, and is expected to stimulate sebum production and upregulate regulatory T cells. In addition to chronic hand eczema, Abrax Japan is also looking for clinical applications of Dr. Kambayashi’s discovery for a wide range of other indications, including hypertriglyceridemia, dry eye disease, and others.

Abrax Japan is currently in the final stages of preclinical animal testing and is scheduled to begin its First-in-Human clinical trial in Australia in 2024 in patients with chronic hand eczema. Abrax Japan aims to use the 505(b)(2) pathway to obtain expedited FDA approval.