Discovery & Development

Incyte’s drug discovery efforts were founded in 2002 by a team of world-class scientists striving to create innovative medicines for patients. The relentless pursuit of scientific excellence remains at the core of our company today.

Our discovery approach integrates target selection, portfolio "fit," compound quality and pharmacodynamic optimization. This approach ensures we not only develop molecules with characteristics optimized for their intended use but also build a portfolio that is strategically coherent and synergy-rich.

ONCOLOGY

Immuno-Therapy Discovery

Incyte’s immuno-therapy discovery strategy is based on the diversity of cells required to maintain an immune-suppressive tumor microenvironment. Immune subversion by cancer cells is mediated by the action of multiple immune-regulatory cell types, and Incyte’s discovery capabilities based on small molecule and monoclonal and bispecific antibody modalities open distinct opportunities to target diverse mechanisms.

Targeted Therapy Discovery

Incyte’s discovery strategy in this area is focused on targeting key molecules/pathways that drive the development, growth and spread of cancer cells. We leverage cross-program knowledge throughout the research and development continuum to identify and exploit novel points of synergy.

INFLAMMATION AND AUTOIMMUNITY

Inflammation is the body’s natural defense against potential danger signals and tissue damage. In some instances, malfunctions in the immune system lead to uncontrolled inflammation and the destruction of the body’s own cells and tissues—resulting in the development of rheumatological, dermatological or gastroenterological diseases.

The goal of Incyte’s inflammation and autoimmunity (IAI) development group is to identify, target and modulate immunological pathways driving uncontrolled inflammation and the destruction of the body’s own cells and tissues. In doing so we hope to restore normal immune function to bring the body closer to homeostasis.

Research has shown that overactivation of the janus kinase (JAK) pathway is critical to the pathogenesis of many immune-mediated conditions. We are working to leverage our cross-program knowledge of the JAK-STAT pathway to explore the potential of JAK inhibition in a number of immune-mediated conditions where we believe we may be able to address unmet patient needs, including several dermatology and gastroenterology conditions.

Phosphoinositide 3-kinase delta (PI3Kδ) signaling is central to B cell biology and plays a significant role in B cell activation, cytokine release and antibody production.  At Incyte, we are investigating PI3Kδ inhibition across a variety of B cell mediated and antibody-driven diseases beyond oncology where current therapies do not sufficiently address the unmet need.

Overall, our IAI team utilizes their broad immunological understanding of disease and cross functional knowledge of our programs to identify innovative approaches to treating inflammatory and autoimmune diseases.

MULTIPLE TARGETS IN CLINICAL DEVELOPMENT

Click below to learn more about some of our molecules in development: