Casi Pharmaceuticals Inc. announced the U.S. FDA has cleared its IND application for CID-103, a monoclonal antibody targeting CD-38 for the prevention of antibody-mediated rejection (AMR) of kidney allografts. The company plans to initiate a phase I study in adults with active and chronic active renal allograft AMR.
In a recent study in the Journal of Translational Medicine, researchers from Azrieli Research Center (Canada) and collaborating institutions hypothesized that the dysregulation of SMPDL3B may be involved in myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME) progression, and investigated its role and clinical relevance in ME pathophysiology.
Chinese scientists have discovered a common mechanism by which structurally distinct proteins elicit an allergic reaction, showing they cause the formation of pores in epithelial airway cells. That allows calcium ions to enter and trigger a type II immune cascade, which results in the release of histamine from mast cells.
Bristol Myers Squibb Co. has prepared and tested proteolysis targeting chimera (PROTAC) compounds comprising an E3 ubiquitin ligase-binding moiety coupled to interleukin-1 receptor-associated kinase 4 (IRAK-4) targeting moiety through a linker reported to be useful for the treatment of autoimmune diseases and inflammatory disorders.
Chinese scientists have discovered a common mechanism by which structurally distinct proteins elicit an allergic reaction, showing they cause the formation of pores in epithelial airway cells. That allows calcium ions to enter and trigger a type II immune cascade, which results in the release of histamine from mast cells.
Soligenix Inc.’s phase IIa study of SGX-945 (dusquetide) for treating oral ulcers in those with Behçet's disease showed biological efficacy in the proof-of-concept study. The positive results propelled the company’s stock (NASDAQ:SNGX) a hefty 134% higher on July 31, with shares closing at $2.93 each.
Immunitas Therapeutics Inc. has revealed preclinical data supporting development of its potentially first-in-class, fully human anti-CD161 antibody, IMT-380. CD161-expressing T-cell subsets have been implicated in autoimmune diseases due to their production of inflammatory cytokines and presence in inflamed tissues.
Bacteria also defend themselves against pathogen attacks using mechanisms like those of the immune system. But if there is a system to repel an attack, it can also be dismantled. Scientists at the University of Southampton have described the components of Kiwa, a protein complex that blocks the entry of phage DNA, which are viruses that infect bacteria. They have also uncovered how Kiwa interacts with other bacterial defense strategies.
Formation Bio Inc. has licensed worldwide rights to Imidomics Inc.’s potentially first-in-class anti-CD226 monoclonal antibody (mAb). The program has received IND clearance and will be advanced by Formation Bio in autoimmune indications, starting with ulcerative colitis.
Hengrui Pharmaceuticals Co. Ltd. is out-licensing to GSK plc its potential best-in-class phase I phosphodiesterase 3 and 4 inhibitor (HRS-9821) for treating chronic obstructive pulmonary disease along with 11 additional programs in development for $500 million up front and up to $12 billion in potential milestones.