Asahi Kasei starts Phase I trial of AK1940 for autoimmune diseases in Japan
Asahi Kasei has started a Phase I clinical trial in Japan for AK1940, a peptide-based investigational compound for autoimmune diseases. The study will assess pharmacokinetics, safety and tolerability in healthy volunteers.
Asahi Kasei announced the initiation of a Phase I clinical trial for AK1940, a novel peptide-based investigational compound developed to address significant unmet medical needs in patients with autoimmune diseases. The trial is being conducted by Asahi Kasei Therapeutics Corp., its pharmaceutical subsidiary based in Japan. Preclinical studies have been successfully completed, and the Phase I trial began on April 19, 2026, in Japan.
The trial will assess the pharmacokinetic profile, safety, and tolerability of single and multiple subcutaneous doses of AK1940 in healthy volunteers. Trial ID: jRCT2071250141.
AK1940 was discovered through a joint research initiative with PeptiDream Inc. and represents an important facet of Asahi Kasei’s strategy to strengthen its pharmaceutical development pipeline and drive long-term growth. AK1940 is a selective tumor necrosis factor (TNF) receptor 1 antagonist. Preclinical studies suggest that AK1940 is highly selective for TNF receptor 1 and showed activity in animal models of inflammatory disease.
By targeting this receptor, AK1940 has the potential to modulate immune responses associated with chronic inflammation. Asahi Kasei Therapeutics Corp. will independently advance AK1940’s development. Asahi Kasei has positioned its Pharmaceuticals business as a key driver of sustainable growth within its medium-term management plan.