Incyte drops phase-1 JAK2 inhibitor to focus on next-generation candidates

Incyte announced it is abandoning its phase-1 JAK2V617F inhibitor, INCB160058, which was being tested in patients with myeloproliferative neoplasms.

The decision was disclosed in the company's second-quarter earnings release and explained on the earnings call, where R&D head Pablo Cagnoni cited concerns about the drug’s pharmacokinetics, bioavailability and overall target coverage.

Incyte said it will instead prioritize its next-generation JAK2V617F-targeted pipeline, emphasizing that the target remains important for treating rare blood cancers.

Analysts noted the move was not unexpected given the emerging data, and the company remains committed to advancing pre-clinical programs in the area.