ImmuNext is developing immune-based therapeutics to treat patients with immune-related disorders, including autoimmunity, cancer, transplantation rejection, and infectious disease. We are targeting critical immunomodulatory molecules that either promote or suppress immune responses to restore immune homeostasis and cure disease. Using antibody-based therapeutics, a spectrum of newly identified molecules are being targeted to achieve disease remission.
Immunometabolic Checkpoint Target.
Partnered with Eli Lilly in March 2019, therapies targeting a novel transporter target are shown to regulate immune cell metabolism.
Target validation studies (ex vivo and in small animal studies) have revealed our target to operate independently and upstream of known immune checkpoint regulators. This opens novel opportunity for treatment of indications with currently limited therapeutic avenues.
Additionally, we maintain ongoing partnerships with clinicians working with patients who have naturally occurring genetic deletions of our target. This affords us the opportunity to derisk our target in a preclinical setting.
Anti-CD40L antagonists, re-engineered for safety and efficacy.
Anti-CD40L antibody SAR441344 is in Phase 2 clinical trials for Multiple Sclerosis, Primary Sjögren’s Syndrome, and Systemic Lupus Erythematosus in collaboration with Sanofi.
Anti-CD40L was partnered with Sanofi in January, 2017. CD40L (CD154) is a highly validated, superlative therapeutic target in autoimmunity and graft rejection. Dr. Noelle, who discovered CD40L, has re-engineered antagonist antibodies to avoid thromboembolic concerns while maintaining efficacy. Non-GLP studies in non-human primates have shown that our engineering produced a safe and potent compound.
Anti-VISTA, a negative checkpoint regulator antagonist for the treatment of cancer, is a clinical stage program.
In January 2020, ImmuNext entered into an exclusive option and license agreement with Curis, Inc., to develop and commercialize antagonistic anti-VISTA antibodies for the treatment of cancer. Curis plans to enter the clinic in 2020.
VISTA is described in the paper attached. Journal of Experimental Medicine Article
