BAW2881 (NVP-BAW2881)

BAW2881 (NVP-BAW2881) is a novel vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) receptor tyrosine-kinase inhibitor that potently inhibits VEGFR1-3 at 1.0-4.3 nanomolar (nM) concentrations and inhibits PDGFR, c-Kit, and RET at 45-72 nM concentrations.NVP-BAW2881 targets the tyrosine kinase domain of murine, porcine, and human VEGFR2. It can be administered both orally and topically, but has not been tested in humans. In vivo studies in VEGF-A transgenic mice showed that oral and topical administration of NVP-BAW2881 strongly reduced psoriasis-like inflammation in ear skin. Histologically, skin lesions in treated mice showed reduced infiltration by leukocytes, reduced epidermal hyperproliferation, normalization of epidermal keratinocyte differentiation, and fewer vascular abnormalities. Vessels in treated mice were smaller in size and fewer in number. In comparison to control mice, treated mice showed significant improvement in ear swelling, skin inflammation, lymph node enlargement, and skin erythema. Though both modes of administration were effective, systemic administration of NVP-BAW2881 was more potent than topical administration. Topical NVP-BAW2881 also effectively reduced VEGF-A-induced vascular permeability in the skin of mice and domestic pigs