Jerini

Jerini AG was a biopharmaceutical company based in Berlin, Germany, specializing in the discovery and development of peptide-based drugs. The company focused on developing innovative treatments for diseases with high unmet medical needs in various therapeutic areas, including ophthalmology, oncology, and inflammation.

History

Jerini AG was founded in the late 1990s with the goal of leveraging its proprietary peptide technology to create novel therapeutics. Over the years, the company advanced several drug candidates through the development pipeline, culminating in the approval of its most notable drug, Icatibant (marketed under the brand name Firazyr®), for the treatment of acute attacks of Hereditary Angioedema (HAE).

Icatibant and Hereditary Angioedema

Icatibant is a synthetic decapeptide and a selective antagonist of the bradykinin B2 receptor. Bradykinin is thought to play a key role in the symptoms of Hereditary Angioedema (HAE), a rare and potentially life-threatening genetic condition characterized by sudden and severe swelling of the skin and mucous membranes. By blocking the effects of bradykinin, Icatibant helps to relieve the swelling and pain associated with acute HAE attacks.

Acquisition

In 2008, Jerini AG was acquired by Shire Pharmaceuticals, a global biopharmaceutical company, in a move that aimed to strengthen Shire's position in the specialty biopharmaceutical sector and expand its portfolio of treatments for rare diseases. The acquisition allowed for the wider distribution and availability of Icatibant across various markets worldwide.

Research and Development

Jerini AG's research and development efforts were focused on the identification and optimization of peptides as therapeutic agents. The company utilized a range of technologies, including phage display and rational drug design, to discover and develop peptides with high specificity and efficacy for their target receptors. In addition to Icatibant, Jerini had several other compounds in various stages of preclinical and clinical development aimed at addressing unmet medical needs in different therapeutic areas.

Impact on Biopharmaceutical Industry

Jerini AG's success in developing Icatibant and its subsequent acquisition by Shire Pharmaceuticals underscored the potential of peptide-based drugs in the biopharmaceutical industry. The company's work contributed to the growing interest in peptides as a class of therapeutics, particularly for the treatment of rare diseases where traditional small molecule drugs and biologics may not be viable options.

Conclusion

Jerini AG played a pivotal role in advancing peptide therapeutics and provided a significant contribution to the treatment of Hereditary Angioedema through the development of Icatibant. The company's legacy continues to influence the biopharmaceutical industry, particularly in the area of rare disease research and development.