Jiangsu Vcare Launches Phase III Clinical Trial of VC005, a Highly Selective JAK1 Inhibitor, for Ankylosing Spondylitis
Published Time:
2025-09-15 17:19
Source:
Recently, Jiangsu Vcare PharmaTech Co., Ltd. (Jiangsu Vcare) announced the official initiation of the Phase III clinical trial of VC005 Tablets—a self-developed second-generation highly selective JAK1 inhibitor—for the oral treatment of ankylosing spondylitis (AS). This marks the second Phase III clinical trial of VC005 Tablets, following the one for oral treatment of moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis (AD), signifying that the AS indication has entered the confirmatory clinical research stage.
Results from the previously Phase II clinical trial have preliminarily demonstrated the efficacy, safety, and tolerability of VC005 Tablets in patients with active AS. The newly launched study is a multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled pivotal Phase III clinical trial. Its aim is to further confirm the efficacy and safety of VC005 Tablets in treating active AS in a larger patient population, thereby providing critical evidence for subsequent registration filings.
About VC005
VC005 Tablets is a novel, potent, and highly selective second-generation JAK1 inhibitor, for which Jiangsu Vcare holds independent intellectual property rights. In August 2025, Jiangsu Vcare entered into an exclusive strategic cooperation with Huadong Medicine regarding the commercialization rights of VC005 Tablets in Mainland China. By selectively inhibiting JAK1, VC005 Tablets reduces inflammatory responses and the activation of immune cells. Currently, the molecule has been developed for multiple autoimmune diseases such as moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis, ankylosing spondylitis, rheumatoid arthritis, and vitiligo, with two dosage forms under development: oral tablets and topical gel. While maintaining strong JAK1 inhibitory activity, VC005 Tablets further reduces JAK2 inhibitory activity in a selective manner (based on in vitro kinase assay results), which is expected to alleviate safety issues caused by excessive JAK2 inhibition in clinical practice.
About Ankylosing Spondylitis
AS is a chronic inflammatory disease that primarily affects the sacroiliac joints, spine, paravertebral soft tissues, and peripheral joints. It may be accompanied by extra-articular manifestations, and in severe cases, can lead to spinal deformity and ankylosis. Epidemiologically, the prevalence of AS in China is approximately 0.36%, affecting over 5 million people. The disease has a higher incidence in males, and the age of onset ranges from 15 to 40 years, commonly affecting young people under 35. The etiology of AS is associated with genetic, infectious, environmental, and immunological factors. The disease progresses progressively over time, often causing irreversible structural damage; in severe cases, it can result in disability and deformity. Currently, there is no cure for AS, and timely disease control is essential. In terms of therapeutic drugs, traditional treatment methods such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs can only relieve symptoms, while highly selective small-molecule JAK1 targeted inhibitors can effectively control the progression of AS and achieve favorable clinical therapeutic effects.
Related News
06
2017
/
06
Leaders of Management Committee of Rudong Coastal Economic Development Zone Visited Jiangsu Vcare
Leaders of management committee of Rudong coastal economic development zone visited Jiangsu Vcare on June 1st, 2017. The delegation was received by the vice chairman Jun Qu, general manager Yongqiang Liu, and vice general manager Yanchun Gong of Vcare. The delegation visited the Vcare's chemical research center and drug research center. Mr. Liu introduced R&D progress and advanced equipment to the guests. During the discussion, Mr. Liu introduced the overall development plan of Yatai Group's pharmaceutical industry, and Vcare's development history and the future plan. Mr. Liu also introduced the progress of innovative drug Vicagrel and a series of generic drugs in detail. The leaders of Rudong coastal economic development zone introduced the planning of their park, local investment, environmental protection policies and etc., and expressed their confidence in the research and development prospects of Vcare.
15
2017
/
05
Leaders of Pukou District Economic and Trade Bureau Visited Jiangsu Vcare
Leaders of Pukou District Economic and Trade Bureau Visited Jiangsu Vcare on May 12, 2017. The general manager Yongqiang Liu received the delegation.
24
2017
/
04
Jiangsu Vcare Held Mountain Climbing and Tug-of-war Competitions
Jiangsu Vcare organized mountain climbing and tug-of-war activities recently. The mountain climbing competition was divided into men's and women's groups, and each group competed for top three. The venue was located in Laoshan National Forest Park. Everyone climbed the top after efforts. Four teams consisting of Vcare’s two R&D center members conducted a tug-of-war competition after going down the mountain and finally "Lingya team" won the top spot. Everyone had fun.
30
2017
/
03
Jiangsu Vcare Held the First Quarter Fire Drill
In order to further improve the safety awareness of new employees, Jiangsu Vcare held a fire-fighting exercise on March 30, 2017. New employees had a deeper understanding of fire extinguishers through on-site explanation of the types, inspection methods and instructions of fire extinguishers. Everyone learned about fire-fighting procedures and the use of appliances. The exercise provided a safety guarantee for everyone’s life and work.
27
2017
/
03
Vice Chairman of Political Consultative Conference of Wenzhou Ouhai District Visited Jiangsu Vcare
The delegation of Political Consultative Conference of Wenzhou Ouhai District, accompanied by vice chairman of Political Consultative Conference of Pukou Economic Development Zone visited Jiangsu Vcare Pharmaceutical Technology Co., Ltd. on the afternoon of March 27, 2017. Yongqiang Liu, the general manager of Jiangsu Vcare received the delegation. Mr. Liu introduced the company's development history and R&D progress. He focused on the progress of phase II clinical trials and the future market prospect of innovative drug Vicagrel. The delegation highly recognized Vcare's advanced equipment and facilities, harmonious human environment and comprehensive research and development capabilities.
14
2017
/
03
Jiangsu Vcare Held “Firefighting and First Aid” Training
Jiangsu Vcare invited Lei Wang, a special instructor of Nanjing Anqu Fire Education Center to give a “Firefighting and First Aid” course to new employees on March 14, 2017 and 26 new employees participated in the training. Mr. Wang collected a large number of fire cases and carefully analyzed the causes of these fires. He taught everyone how to deal with fires. His explanations made everyone fully aware of the importance and urgency of fire safety. At the same time, everyone had a better understanding of various fire extinguishers and their instructions.