HealZen Therapeutics announced that the self-developed chemical drug, BTK inhibitor HZ-A-018 capsule, has been approved by the National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) for clinical trials in China for the treatment of chronic/persistent adult primary immune thrombocytopenia (ITP). 

ITP is an acquired autoimmune bleeding disease, accounting for about one-third of hemorrhagic diseases, with a prevalence of 5-10 per 100,000 in adults and a higher incidence in people over 60 years old. The main pathogenesis of ITP is the loss of tolerance to self-antigens, leading to increased immune-mediated platelet destruction and insufficient platelet production. 

BTK inhibitors can reduce the production of autoantibodies by inhibiting BTK and decrease macrophage-mediated platelet destruction. HZ-A-018 has high target selectivity, strong B cell activation ability, and minimal toxic side effects, providing new treatment options for ITP patients.

About HZ-A-018
HZ-A-018 capsule is also being studied in Phase I clinical trials for relapsed and refractory B-cell lymphoma and Phase I/II clinical trials for relapsed and refractory central nervous system lymphoma. HZ-A-018 is a highly selective small molecule BTK inhibitor developed by HealZen Therapeutics.