Targeting Rare, Immunologic Disorders

Aristea Therapeutics was spun out of AstraZeneca to develop medicines for rare, immunologic disorders. Its lead program in development is an experimental therapy for a rare skin condition that causes repeated outbreaks of painful pustules on the hands and feet and is being looked at for other neutrophil-mediated diseases. We spoke to James Mackay, president and CEO of Aristea, about the decision to form the company, its lead therapy in development, and its collaboration and development deal with Arena Pharmaceuticals that gives its partner an option to acquire it outright.