JAK Inhibitors
Janus Kinases (JAKs) are enzymes that phosphorylate Tyrosine residues on target proteins primarily acting as a signal transducer in the JAK-STAT signaling pathway which plays a key role in the synthesis of blood cells as well as cell growth, immune and inflammatory responses in the body. There are four members of the JAK family: JAK-1, 2, 3 and Tyrosine Kinase 2 (TYK2). Under normal physiological conditions, the JAK/STAT pathway transmits signals initiated by blood cell growth factors, cytokines (interleukins and interferons) or hormones from the outside of a bone marrow stem cell to its nucleus and ultimately results in differential regulation of target gene transcription. This signaling cascade ensures proper blood cell development and function, as well as balanced inflammatory responses based on the external stimuli. Defects or overactivity in this pathway are thought to cause myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPN), a group of diseases in which specific types of blood cells are overproduced and their functioning is disrupted. JAK inhibitors are under development for the treatment of many diseases stemming from either abnormalities in blood cell formation and development or inflammation: psoriasis, rheumatoid arthritis, polycythemia vera, essential thrombocythemia, and myeloid metaplasia with myelofibrosis. BioVision's product portfolio includes not just a broad selection of JAK inhibitors but a chosen collection of inhibitors targeting various participants in the JAK/STAT signaling cascade in a convenient set.
