TNF is a cytokine molecule that pro-inflammatory cells use to signal each other in conditions like rheumatoid arthritis and inflammatory bowel disease.  It first forms in a precursor form at the cell surface, and then is released by an enzyme to start the signaling process.

Meyer Pharmaceuticals has identified and recombinantly produced an enzyme that is newly implicated in TNF release and signaling. The designation of this new enzyme is “TACE-2”, to contrast to the previously known TNF alpha converting enzyme “TACE”, originally described by Black et al. at Synergen.  There is no structural relationship between the two enzymes, and each is separately inhibitable.

RNAi inhibition experiments have shown that TACE‑2 is intimately involved in the process that causes TNFα to be shed from the cell surface.  Recombinant TACE‑2 specifically cleaves the amino acid sequence linking TNF to the membrane, thereby causing release of soluble TNFα and promoting the inflammatory cascade. 

TACE-2 is a new target for both small molecule inhibitors and antibody for the treatment of arthritis and other inflammatory conditions.

Initial screening has identified two compounds (MP70 and MP72) that inhibit the enzyme in vitro.  MP72 is effective in lowering TNFα levels in animal models after an inflammatory challenge. 

The identity of TACE-2 is being maintained as a trade secret of Meyer Pharmaceuticals.