Synonyms: HMR3480 | VX-765
Compound class:
Synthetic organic
Comment: Belnacasan is a prodrug of VRT-043198, a caspase-1 inhibitor that was developed by Vertex. Pharmacological inhibition of caspase-1 is being investigated as a mechanism to reduce pro-inflammatory cytokine (predominantly IL-1β) production as a novel treatment of inflammatory diseases [1]. Inhibition of caspase-1 is a small molecule strategy developed as an alternative to the use of anti-IL-1β neutralising antibodies, such as canakinumab, or the dimeric fusion protein rilonacept that acts as a IL-1 trap.
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Immunopharmacology Comments |
Inhibition of caspase-1 is an attractive mechanism for the development of novel therapeutics for the treatment of inflammatory diseases [1]. Caspase-1 inhibitors decrease conversion of pro-IL-1β to active and pro-inflammatory IL-1β. |