ONCODESIGN announced that it has reached a key milestone in its RIPK2 kinase inhibitor discovery program. RIPK2 (or RIP2: Receptor Interacting Protein Kinase 2) is a kinase implicated in the activation of the innate immune system response. RIPK2 is activated upon a bacterial infection in order to eliminate the infected cells. However, this natural defense could be at the origin of numerous autoimmune diseases such as Crohn’s disease, rheumatoid arthritis and multiple sclerosis, which are the scourge of millions of people around the world and have a substantial socio-economic impact on society. Using its Nanocyclix medicinal chemistry platform, a proprietary technology enabling the selection of highly potent and selective kinase inhibitors, the company pursues a RIPK2 inhibitor optimization program that has led to the identification of a product characterized at the pre-candidate stage. The pharmacokinetic properties of this compound now has to be evaluated in confirmatory studies and completed by toxicity studies. This stage represents a major milestone towards the selection of a drug candidate to enter subsequently in the preclinical development phase, the final stage prior to an IND (Investigational New Drug) application and the initiation of the first clinical studies.