NOX-E36 (emapticap pegol) has completed Phase 1 and Phase 2 clinical studies, establishing its ability to target macrophages in a dose-dependent manner and its safety and tolerability profile in over 100 subjects. Based on these data, there could be potential for application of NOX-E36 in oncology where preclinical data has shown activity in models of solid tumors like pancreas and liver cancer.
More recently, however, TME Pharma has been evaluating a very promising opportunity for development of NOX-E36 in eye diseases with a high need for well-tolerated therapies with anti-fibrotic effect. The anti-fibrotic mode of action of NOX-E36 has already been demonstrated in a relevant animal model published by researchers at the Singapore Eye Research Institute (SERI). TME Pharma has engaged in discussions with multiple players and institutions specialized in ophthalmology to externalize further development of NOX-E36 in the clinic.
Mechanism of Action
NOX-E36 is an injectable PEGylated L-stereoisomer RNA aptamer conjugated to 40kD PEG that directly binds and neutralizes the human chemokine CCL2 (C-C motif Ligand 2, also called Monocyte Chemoattractant Protein-1) as well as three highly related chemokines. Chemokines can be thought of as road signs in the body that can direct movement of cells that encounter them. Like road signs, chemokines are anchored in place (location information) and contain directions, such as “enter here”, for cells that can “see” them with the appropriate receptors. CCL2 is one of the chemokines that regulate migration and infiltration of key components of the innate immune system called monocytes/macrophages. Both CCL2 and its receptor CCR2 are implicated in cancer spread and immune privilege of tumors. One key function of CCL2 is the recruitment of immunosuppressive cell populations of the innate immune system such as Tumor Associated Macrophages (TAMs). Removing TAMs from the tumor microenvironment with NOX-E36 should allow an improved immune response against tumors.
|
Recent NOX-E36 press releases
Clinical trials with NOX-E36
|