Orikine Bio Presents Preclinical Data on ORK1 for IBD Treatment

Orikine Bio, a biotechnology company based in Barcelona, Spain, has presented new preclinical data at UEG Week 2026, showcasing the potential of its lead candidate, ORK1, in treating inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). The findings demonstrate that a single dose of ORK1 can induce sustained myeloid reprogramming, leading to improved disease control in two independent IBD mouse models. This data was presented at UEG Week 2026, a major gastroenterology conference held in Barcelona, Spain, on October 20, 2026.

According to Joachim Koch, Chief Scientific and Development Officer at Orikine Bio, the data indicate that ORK1 preferentially engages CSF1R-expressing monocytes and reprograms them into an anti-inflammatory macrophage phenotype. This reprogramming translates into significant improvements in disease symptoms, including body weight, disease activity, and survival rates. Histopathological analyses further confirmed the reduced tissue inflammation and preserved bowel integrity following ORK1 treatment.

ORK1 is a bifunctional cytokine biologic designed to combine two complementary activities within a single molecule. The CSF1 component provides proliferative and differentiation signals that support macrophage development, while the IL-10 component drives myeloid cells toward a regulatory, anti-inflammatory phenotype. Through this coordinated activity, ORK1 is designed to reprogram myeloid cells into regulatory macrophages that help restore immune homeostasis and regulate inflammation.

The company's proprietary Foldikine™ protein engineering platform enables the creation of immune switches with the potential to resolve autoimmune diseases. ORK1, as the lead candidate, is specifically designed to reprogram myeloid cells into regulatory macrophages that help restore immune homeostasis and regulate inflammation. Orikine Bio is currently focusing on inflammatory bowel disease as its initial area of focus, with plans to explore the broader potential of ORK1 across autoimmune diseases.

These results suggest that ORK1 could offer a differentiated approach to treating IBD, potentially providing a more effective and sustained treatment option compared to existing therapies. The company plans to continue its development efforts, moving ORK1 towards IND enabling studies and eventual clinical trials. The findings also underscore the potential of ORK1 to address the complex and chronic nature of IBD through its unique mechanism of action.

The preclinical data presented at UEG Week 2026 provide a strong foundation for the continued development of ORK1, supporting the company's hypothesis that simultaneous activation of CSF1 and IL-10 may offer a differentiated approach to treating autoimmune and chronic inflammatory diseases. The consistency of the findings across two independent preclinical models of IBD further strengthens the company's confidence in the potential of ORK1 as a novel treatment option for people living with inflammatory bowel disease.