Eli Lilly and Company and Ajax Therapeutics have entered into a definitive agreement under which Lilly will acquire Ajax Therapeutics, a biopharmaceutical company developing next-generation Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors for patients with myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs). Ajax’s lead program, AJ1-11095, is described as a first-in-class Type II JAK2 inhibitor currently in Phase 1 clinical development, with initial proof‑of‑concept clinical data expected later in 2026.
Lilly stated that AJ1-11095 is being developed for patients with myelofibrosis and polycythemia vera and that, based on its distinct mode of binding to JAK2, the molecule has the potential to provide deeper and more durable disease control than currently approved therapies in these indications. The acquisition is intended to build on Lilly’s existing capabilities in blood cancers and to expand its pipeline in MPNs.
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