This podcast highlights the discovery of antibodies targeting a new influenza target, a novel bi-specific antibody for inflammatory disorders, advancements in severe asthma management, and the safety and efficacy of D'Ananamab for Alzheimer's disease.
Antibody medications show anti-tumor activity by targeting immune responses against tumor cells.
Discovery of antibodies targeting the neuraminidase head region of influenza virus opens new treatment possibilities.
Deep dives
Promising Safety Data and Anti-Tumor Activity in Advanced Cancer Patients
A recent early phase clinical trial featured a combination of antibody-based medications that showed promising safety data and anti-tumor activity in individuals with advanced cancer. The medications, CS 1002 and CS 1003, target immune responses against tumor cells. Notably, CS 1002 increases T-immune cell activation and proliferation by binding to CTLA4, while CS 1003 blocks the programmed cell death protein 1. The study involved various dosing schedules and demonstrated positive responses in different types of tumors.
Identification of Antibodies Targeting Hidden Regions of Influenza Virus
Researchers at the National Institutes of Health have discovered antibodies that target a previously unexplored region of the influenza virus, specifically the neuraminidase (NA) protein head. These antibodies, isolated from individuals who recovered from H3N2 influenza subtype, inhibited various influenza viruses in lab tests and protected mice from lethal infection. The findings suggest that targeting this 'dark side' of the NA protein could lead to new strategies for influenza treatment and prevention.
Advancement in Treatment for Asthma and Alport Syndrome
Inovent Biologics has initiated a Phase 1 clinical trial for IBI-3002, a bi-specific antibody targeting interleukin-4 receptor alpha and TSLP, with potential efficacy in T2 and non-T2 inflammatory disorders, including asthma. The collaboration between FibroCore Therapeutics and MSRD aims to advance the Alport Syndrome program, with FIB918 entering IND enabling phase soon. These developments signify progress in precision medicine for asthma management and offer hope for individuals with Alport syndrome.
FDA Evaluation of D'Ananamab for Early Symptomatic Alzheimer's Disease
The FDA plans to convene an advisory committee to evaluate the Phase 3 Trailblazer ALZ2 trial of D'Ananamab for early symptomatic Alzheimer's disease. The trial showed promising safety and efficacy results, benefiting participants across different disease stages. Despite the risk of amyloid-related imaging abnormalities, D'Ananamab demonstrated clinical benefits, positioning it as a potential disease-modifying therapy for Alzheimer's. This decision marks a significant step in Alzheimer's research, emphasizing innovative trial designs for effective drug evaluation.
The latest episode of the DDW Highlights podcast is now available to listen to below. DDW’s Megan Thomas narrates five key stories of the week to keep DDW subscribers up-to-date on the latest industry updates.
It was antibodies hitting the headlines this week, with the discovery of antibodies with potential against a new influenza target, the launch of a Phase I trial to investigate a novel type of bispecific antibody, and the announcement that the FDA will delay approval of donanemab to hold a meeting of the Peripheral and Central Nervous System Drugs Advisory Committee.