Seeking Drug Discovery Projects Targeting Itch in Inflammatory Conditions

Grünenthal, a global leader in pain management and related diseases, is seeking therapeutic molecules for oral administration that address both the inflammatory and itch components of inflammatory diseases, such as atopic dermatitis. The team is particularly interested in innovative approaches that address the neuroimmune drivers of chronic itch, via targeting itch-mediating pruriceptors or approaches that modulate the immune-pruriceptor interaction. 

Approaches of Interest:

• Diseases of particular interest include dermatological diseases, including but not limited to atopic dermatitis, hidradenitis suppurativa, urticaria and prurigo nodularis
• Therapeutic molecules developed for non-dermatological inflammatory diseases targeting relevant pathways for the treatment of itch
• Focus on small molecule assets for oral/ systemic administration

Out of Scope:

• Therapeutics for topical administration
• Drug discovery platforms 
• Clinical stage opportunities 

Developmental Stages of Interest: 

• Opportunities that have tangible chemical matter to late preclinical are in scope 
• Opportunities at lead optimization stage are highest priority 

Submission Information

Submission of one-page, 200–300-word briefs is encouraged, along with any optional supplementary information e.g. relevant publications. Submissions should contain information on the therapeutics molecule’s mode of action or scientific rationale, any completed experimental validation, and how it is differentiated from known approaches. In submitting to this campaign, you confirm that your submission contains only non-confidential information. 

Opportunity for Collaboration

Grünenthal is open to a range of collaboration opportunities, with the most appropriate outcome being decided on a case-by-case basis. Example outcomes include licensing assets and research collaborations.