BPS 2025
Translational Pharmacokinetics of Icotrokinra, an Orally Delivered Peptide that Inhibits the IL-23 Receptor
Beverly Knight
Director, Johnson & Johnson Innovative Medicine
ABSTRACT
IL-23 signaling inhibition via monoclonal antibodies has demonstrated efficacy and safety in patients with psoriatic disease and IBD.. Icotrokinra, a very potent targeted oral peptide that selectively inhibits IL-23 receptor signaling, was profiled in vitro and in vivo to elucidate its absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion (ADME) properties, as well as its drug-drug interaction potential.
BIO
Bev joined Janssen in 2018 as a Development DMPK leader. Early on, she had the opportunity to co-lead a Discovery team with the goal of identifying a stable peptide that could be orally delivered. The candidate was identified and rushed to the clinic in record time. This peptide has gone on to become a high-priority asset which just completed Phase 3. As a Therapeutic Area Lead (TAL) for Immunology within DMPK, she has oversight across the Immunology Discovery and Development portfolio and the DMPK project leads supporting these programs. She is also an active member of a cross-functional team which aims to identify and internalize novel oral modalities for drug delivery.
Prior to joining Janssen, she began her post-graduate career at Takeda, gaining drug discovery experience across several therapeutic areas over 6 years. This was followed by 5 years at Pfizer, working in Clinical Pharmacology, supporting both large and small molecule programs, including involvement in several biosimilar and ADC teams. She was also part of the team supporting a submission for Bosulif, and the submission, advisory committee meeting, and reapproval of the ADC Mylotarg.
Bev received a bachelors degree in chemistry, followed by a doctoral degree in Pharmacokinetics from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Her training and expertise focus on the intestine and drug absorption processes.