Kymera Therapeutics Inc. (NASDAQ: KYMR) presented preclinical data for KT-579, an oral IRF5 degrader, showing activity in inflammatory bowel disease models at Digestive Disease Week in Chicago.

The company reported that KT-579 demonstrated activity comparable or superior to approved therapies in preclinical IBD models. In the TNBS model of IBD, the drug showed effects similar to JAK inhibitors and biologic agents targeting integrins and TNF.

KT-579 reduced disease activity scores and provided protection from body weight loss while maintaining colon density. The treatment showed complete inhibition of inflammatory cytokines including TNFα, IL-1β and IL-6, according to the company's data.

"KT-579 has the potential to deliver a novel oral mechanism that can modulate multiple disease-driving pathways simultaneously," said Juliet Williams, Head of Research at Kymera Therapeutics.

The drug targets IRF5, a transcription factor that regulates Type I interferons, pro-inflammatory cytokines and autoantibody responses. Kymera describes KT-579 as the first-in-class oral IRF5 degrader.

A Phase 1 healthy volunteer trial for KT-579 is currently ongoing. The study evaluates safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of single and multiple doses compared to placebo. Kymera expects to report data from this trial in the second half of 2026.

The company previously reported preclinical data for KT-579 in lupus and rheumatoid arthritis models. Kymera stated the drug showed no adverse effects in preclinical safety studies at all tested doses.

Kymera is developing targeted protein degradation medicines for immunological diseases. The company was founded in 2016 and is based in Watertown, Massachusetts.