Selectively degrading VAV1 to address autoimmune disease.
VAV1 Molecular Glue Degrader
VAV1 is a signaling protein expressed predominantly in immune cells. When T cells and B cells recognize an antigen, VAV1 relays that signal inside the cell, triggering cell activation, cytokine production and migration. In autoimmune disease, T- and B-cells are chronically activated, driving the inflammation that damages joints, skin, gut and other tissues.
Because VAV1 sits at a key junction of T- and B-cell receptor signaling and activation, removing it has the potential to quiet the aberrant immune activity behind many autoimmune diseases while sparing the broad cytokine signaling blocked by JAK inhibitors. Unlike JAK enzymes, which are expressed across many cell types, tissues and organs, VAV1 is largely restricted to immune cells, which we believe gives it the potential for a more favorable safety profile.
VAV1 has multiple functions inside the cell, including enzymatic and scaffolding functions. Rather than blocking a single function of VAV1 as a traditional small molecule might, a molecular glue degrader instead directs the protein to the cell's own disposal machinery, removing the protein rather than inhibiting it. Once VAV1 is degraded, the cell must make new protein before signaling can resume, which has the potential to produce a durable effect.
A VAV1 molecular glue degrader directs the protein to the cell's own disposal machinery, eliminating all of its functions with the potential for a durable effect, while targeting a protein largely restricted to immune cells.
Our VAV1 molecular glue degrader, EVO570, is an investigational oral therapy. In preclinical studies, EVO570 showed sub-nanomolar potency, high selectivity, durable VAV1 degradation and activity in multiple preclinical models of autoimmune disease. Investigational New Drug (IND) applications have been submitted in the United States and China, and a Phase 1 trial is expected to begin imminently. We plan to develop EVO570 first in rheumatoid arthritis, with further translational work guiding expansion into other T- and B-cell-driven autoimmune diseases.
EVO570 was discovered by Hinova Pharmaceuticals. We hold exclusive worldwide rights outside Greater China under our agreement with Hinova, announced in November 2026.