ALLOZYNE's AZ17 antagonist shows positive data for treatment of autoimmune diseases

Nov 17 2010

ALLOZYNE Inc. announced today positive data from preclinical studies evaluating AZ17 which is a novel bispecific Th17 antagonist that inhibits the differentiation and effector function of human Th17 cells in vivo. Results from these studies demonstrated AZ17 to have improved efficacy over individual parental antibodies in addition to high potency and affinity for each respective target. These findings are based on evaluation across two distinct disease models in psoriasis and skin graft rejection. "These results are very encouraging on many levels. First, we believe that AZ17 holds the promise of superior efficacy, safety and possibly even dosing convenience over currently marketed therapies for various autoimmune diseases. Secondly, the stability, solubility, affinity and potency of this compound are a testament to the potential of Allozyne's antibody platform," stated ALLOZYNE's Chief Executive Officer, Meenu Chhabra.

In the past few years, the discovery of Th17 cells has led to a new understanding of their role in autoimmune and inflammatory diseases. AZ17 is a product of ALLOZYNE's E. coli based CAESAR platform and is composed of two single chain variable antibody fragments (scFvs), each targeting a separate cytokine involved in the differentiation of Th17 cells. Unlike most other bispecific molecules that are constructed using genetic fusion, the two scFvs that compose AZ17 are conjugated covalently using a synthetic linker. This simultaneous inhibition of two independent Th17 cytokines represents a novel approach to treating Th17 associated diseases such as multiple sclerosis, Crohn's and psoriasis.

Source: ALLOZYNE