Induced Pruritus Model in NHP

The “itch-scratch cycle” is a central pathogenic driver in many pruritic (itch-related) inflammatory skin diseases, such as atopic dermatitis (AD), prurigo nodularis, and psoriasis. This cycle exacerbates the underlying disease, worsens symptoms, and significantly affects a patient’s quality of life. The cytokine IL-31 is a key driver of itch in humans with conditions like AD.

The cynomolgus IL-31 (cIL-31)-induced pruritus model is particularly valued in drug development focused on pruritic skin conditions due to its high translational relevance to humans. By inducing pruritus in NHPs with cIL-31, researchers can study a mechanism that is directly relevant to human disease. WuXi AppTec has validated this model, with readouts that include scratching events, cytokine biomarkers, and analysis of skin-infiltrated mast cells.

Pruritus Model in NHP

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