The melanocortin-1 receptor (MC1R) plays a key role in regulating melanin production, which determines skin pigmentation. Peptide agonists targeting MC1R enhance melanin production, leading to increased pigmentation, with one FDA-approved to treat skin damage caused by porphyria. Unfortunately, the clinical utility of current MC1R peptides is significantly limited by their rapid clearance and cross-reactivity with other receptors within the melanocortin family. Given the role of skin pigmentation in various diseases and skin cancer prevention, a selective and potent MC1R agonist could have multiple clinical uses, significantly improving upon current standard of care and expanding indications. We have created a humanized MC1R agonist antibody with high affinity and selectivity for the MC1R than darkens human skin. Here, we propose to advance a MC1R agonist antibody biologic with a validated, de-risked mechanism of action from an experimental tool to a development candidate ready for out-licensing to treat the orphan disease xeroderma pigmentosum. The overall objective of this proposal is to optimize and de-risk our lead MC1R agonist antibody candidate, JSS002.2 and test this in animal models.
Funding
Funding Duration
July 1, 2026 - June 30, 2028