Promising preclinical data for the deoxymabs antibody platform using PAT-DX1 and PAT-DX3 in animal models was revealed by Patrys Ltd (ASX:PAB) during the plenary session at the 21st International Vasculitis Workshop in Barcelona overnight.
The data highlighted the effect of PAT-DX1 and PAT-DX3 in animal models of the autoimmune disease anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA) vasculitis.
Results from several non-clinical studies have demonstrated the deoxymabs platform suppresses the formation of neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs), structures that are believed to play an important role in the establishment and maintenance of cancer cells, the spreading of cancer (metastasis) and in regulating inflammation.
Potential to treat autoimmune diseases
“We are very excited by the results from Dr O’Sullivan’s studies which suggest that there may be opportunities to develop deoxymabs as a therapeutic for ANCA vasculitis and potentially for other related autoimmune diseases,” Patrys CEO and managing director Dr James Campbell said.
“ANCA vasculitis is a challenging condition and, while current treatments have transformed it into a relapsing/remitting disease, they are associated with increased drug-related toxicities and organ damage.
“In view of this, we believe a therapeutic that is able to reduce the inflammation associated with this disease without suppressing the immune system could provide a very attractive therapeutic option for patients.
“It is particularly exciting to see the potential opportunities to develop or partner our deoxymab technology expand while our GMP manufacturing of PAT-DX1 is underway and nearing completion.”
Key findings from non-clinical studies
Dr O’Sullivan opted to examine the effect of Patrys’ deoxymabs in an animal model of ANCA vasculitis because the formation of NETs is one of the underlying processes in the development of the autoimmune disease.
The key findings include:
- PAT-DX1 and PAT-DX3 are both able to inhibit the formation of NETs in an animal model of ANCA vasculitis;
- Both deoxymabs reduced the level of inflammation and kidney injury in the animal model of ANCA vasculitis;
- However, neither PAT-DX1 nor PAT-DX3 had any detrimental effect on neutrophils, indicating that their administration did not result in any suppression of the immune system.
“We are pleased to present these important discoveries at the leading global meeting on vasculitis,” said Dr O’Sullivan.
“We are particularly excited by the discovery that both PAT-DX1 and PAT-DX3 are able to reduce symptoms of inflammation without negatively impacting the immune system as this is one of the major side-effects of existing therapies for vasculitis.”
ANCA Vasculitis affects about 200 to 400 individuals per million; in Australia, one in 50,000 people are living with the disease, being most common between ages 65-74.
The market size for treatment of the disease was about US$1.22 billion in 2022 globally, expected to increase at a compounding annual growth rate of 6.9% as increasing awareness and new therapies play their part.