AnnJi Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. announced that its Phase 2a clinical trial results for AJ201 in treating spinal and bulbar muscular atrophy (SBMA) were selected as one of seven Late-Breaking Abstracts at the World Muscle Society 2025 International Congress in Vienna. Dr. Tahseen Mozaffar, a study investigator, presented the findings, highlighting AJ201's therapeutic potential for SBMA patients.
Novel Mechanism of Action Shows Promise
AJ201, formulated as an oral suspension of the novel curcumin analog Rosolutamide, addresses a critical need for patients with swallowing difficulties. The drug operates through multiple pathways, including Nrf2 activation, oxidative stress modulation, and induction of heat shock proteins to facilitate clearance of mutant protein aggregates. This multi-modal mechanism positions AJ201 as a pioneering small-molecule therapy for PolyQ neurodegenerative disorders.
In the Phase 2a trials, positive functional outcomes were reported in AJ201-treated SBMA patients, highlighting the drug's potential as a first-in-class therapy for SBMA in two decades.
Preclinical Research Supports Clinical Findings
Dr. Andrew Pai presented complementary preclinical research on Rosolutamide (JM17), AJ201's active ingredient. In SBMA mouse models, JM17 demonstrated multi-pathway benefits including enhanced mitochondrial function, reduced inflammation and fibrosis, and improved structural organization of muscle fibers. Upstream regulator analysis confirmed the inhibition of pro-inflammatory mediators (TNF-α, IL-6, TGF-β) alongside activation of protective signaling pathways.
"We are very proud of the Late Breaking Abstract, as well as the preclinical research paper presented at the 2025 WMS, which highlighted the significant advancement we have made in the development of AJ201 toward the world's first effective therapy for Kennedy's disease," said Dr. Wendy Huang, CEO and Chairperson of the Board of AnnJi.
Regulatory Recognition and Development Path
AJ201 has received Orphan Drug Designation from both the U.S. FDA and EMA. AnnJi has built a robust global patent portfolio, securing strong market exclusivity for the compound. The company is advancing AJ201 into Phase 2/3 clinical development while pursuing global licensing partnerships.
Addressing Critical Unmet Need
Kennedy's disease, also known as SBMA, is a rare inherited neuromuscular degenerative disorder characterized by progressive degeneration of lower motor neurons in the spinal cord, brainstem, and skeletal muscles. The disease primarily affects males between ages 30 and 40, with an estimated prevalence of 1 in 40,000. As the disease progresses—typically by age 50—patients often develop difficulties with chewing and swallowing, with recurrent aspiration pneumonia becoming a common cause of death. Currently, there are no approved treatments for SBMA.
