Division of Digestive Diseases, Emory University School of Medicine, 615 Michael Street, Whitehead Research Bldg, Rm 205F, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA. ssitar2@emory.edu
Cytokine PharmaSciences is developing semapimod (CNI-1493), a cytokine inhibitor and synthetic guanylhydrazone mitogen-activated protein kinase blocker, as a potential treatment for Crohn's disease and other inflammatory conditions. As of December 2001, a phase I study demonstrating the safety of the compound had been completed and phase II trials for psoriasis and Crohn's disease were ongoing. In April 2003, preclinical and early clinical studies were underway for a variety of indications, including congestive heart failure and pancreatitis.