Wnt signaling pathway plays an important role in embryonic development. The signaling pathway regulates cell-to-cell interaction, accelerates trophoblast development, activates blastocyst, accelerate chorion-allantois fusion and implantation. A wide range of diseases, such as different types of cancer and degenerative diseases can be treated by deregulation of components involved in Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway. Also, researchers have demonstrated that moderate weakening of Wnt signaling can eliminate its carcinogenic potential. Based on the recent researches, Wnt Signaling Pathway inhibitors have also shown potential in cardiovascular disorders.
According to the research findings, majority of the drug candidates in the pipeline are being developed to be administered by the oral route. It has been observed that oral route of medications is convenient; available in delayed or rapid release formulation; provides improved patient’s compliance; and has less risk of systemic infections. Administration of Wnt Signaling Pathway Inhibitors through oral route has shown promising results in the clinical studies. Also, according to the analysis, maximum number of drugs in the pipeline are being developed as small molecules.
The companies developing Wnt Signaling Pathway inhibitors for the treatment of cancer and degenerative diseases, have shown positive clinical results in the various phases of drug development. For instance, in October 2018, Samumed LLC, announced the topline data from the phase IIb trial SM04690 in knee osteoarthritis, wherein the treatment with SM04690 showed improvement in function, pain, and global scores of patients.
It has been observed that many pharmaceutical companies are leveraging new and improved technologies for the development of Wnt Signaling Pathway inhibitors. These technologies play an important role in the drug development thereby helping the companies develop more specific and effective targeted therapies. For instance, the focus of Samumed's technology platform is on the ability to modulate the Wnt signaling pathway in selected tissues with small molecules.
The company has discovered various new biological processes related to the Wnt signaling pathway, identified novel biological targets, and developed small-molecule drugs that modulate Wnt activity. In addition, JW Pharmaceutical CORPORATION is engaged in the development of novel therapeutics using high-throughput screening technology and chemical library. The company specializes in identifying small molecule drugs that modulate signaling pathways involved in cell proliferation and differentiation.
