There may be a true breakthrough coming in autoimmune, and we will know later this year: our lead Nck modulator AX-158 will be delivering a first patient data readout in psoriasis in Q4. This first-in-class candidate could become a first universal oral therapy for a wide range of autoimmune diseases, if the patient clinical and biomarker data are in line with our comprehensive preclinical and clinical package thus far.
At Artax Biopharma, we possess a unique understanding of the role of Nck in modulating TCR and know that it can be modulated to restore a healthy recognition of self in the body’s autoimmune system. This “reset” seems to preserve normal immune responses to antigens and turn down the volume on abnormal self-recognition. We have seen strong preclinical evidence of activity in the Th2 , Th17 , Th1/Th0 pathways, suggesting that applications could be quite broad across the autoimmune space.
What will we learn from a Phase 2a Proof-of-Mechanism trial with AX-158?
We will be looking for changes in a wide panel of disease-relevant biomarkers, in an effort to understand and validate the potential MoA of Nck inhibition at work clinically for the first time. There will also be clinical assessments such as PASI scores, and safety and tolerability data.
We are supported by Advent Life Sciences, Columbus Ventures, Eli Lilly and Company, and Sound Bioventures, who believe in our team and the commercial and clinical potential of our Nck modulation approach. Looking ahead to first patient data later this year, we are raising a Series C round to finance the atopic dermatitis trial with lead program AX-158 and further work with AX-194, a second Nck modulator candidate.
The team would be happy to walk you through the highlights of our story, to see if there could be a fit with your fund – please reach out to contact@artaxbiopharma.com to make the connection.
Clinical Trial Manager (CTM), Gsap CRO Sales& Marketing Manager
3moGreat collaboration!