“Revolutionizing Diabetes Treatment: Abata Therapeutics Unveils ABA-201, a Groundbreaking Treg Cell Therapy for Type 1 Diabetes
WATERTOWN, Mass.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–In a landmark breakthrough, Abata Therapeutics is propelling the future of diabetes care with its latest revelation – ABA-201. This cutting-edge Treg cell therapy offers new hope for patients battling type 1 diabetes (T1D) who still retain some beta (β) cell function.
Spearheading this transformative journey is Samantha Singer, M.S., M.B.A., President and CEO of Abata, who commented, “In just two years, we have achieved an extraordinary milestone by unveiling two distinct therapeutic candidates that target serious autoimmune conditions. Our focus on ABA-201 is accelerating rapidly, with clinical studies scheduled for 2025. This success is a testament to our pioneering work with Treg cell therapies.”
The science behind ABA-201’s potential as a Treg treatment for T1D is rooted in strong evidence. Preclinical models and clinical trials have showcased the potency of autoantigen-specific Tregs in tackling T1D. This approach not only targets β-cell destruction but also aims to repair damaged tissue, presenting an innovative therapeutic avenue.
Dr. Leonard Dragone, M.D., Ph.D., Chief Medical Officer of Abata, explained, “ABA-201 employs a TCR to precisely target the pancreas and lymph nodes in T1D patients. By curbing β-cell destruction and promoting tissue repair, we’re venturing into uncharted territory. This personalized strategy could offer substantial, lasting relief to patients.”
The implications of ABA-201 extend far beyond medical breakthroughs. Steven St. Peter, M.D., Managing Director of JDRF T1D Fund, expressed, “A disease-modifying therapy for T1D has been a long-standing goal. With approximately 64,000 new T1D diagnoses annually in the U.S., the need is urgent. Treg-based therapies hold immense promise in preserving beta cell function and transforming clinical outcomes.”
As Abata advances, it’s not just innovation that drives progress. The company has assembled a team of clinical advisors, including luminaries such as Kevan Herold, M.D., and Linda DiMeglio, M.D., M.P.H. These experts bring deep insight into T1D pathogenesis and therapeutic development, reinforcing Abata’s commitment to revolutionizing diabetes care.
About ABA-201 and Type 1 Diabetes
The future of type 1 diabetes (T1D) treatment is undergoing a revolutionary transformation, led by Abata’s groundbreaking therapy – ABA-201. This remarkable autologous Treg therapy is designed to target T1D patients who still hold onto their precious beta cell function and possess a specific HLA genetic haplotype.
ABA-201 isn’t just a therapy; it’s a personalized breakthrough. By ingeniously modifying a patient’s own Tregs, ABA-201 equips them with a TCR that possesses a laser-like focus on immunogenic protein fragments in the pancreas and lymph nodes. This approach promises an exceptional safety profile and an intense localized anti-inflammatory effect right at the core of the disease.
Laboratory tests have painted an exciting picture of ABA-201’s potential. In vitro experiments have showcased its antigen-specific prowess, dose-dependent Treg functionality, and its remarkable ability to produce anti-inflammatory cytokines. Not stopping there, ABA-201 also demonstrates its power in suppressing the production of those notorious inflammatory factors – T cell-derived cytokines.
With an estimated 64,000 new T1D cases emerging annually in the United States, ABA-201 arrives as a beacon of hope, offering a personalized approach to tackling this relentless disease. Abata’s dedication to revolutionizing diabetes care is poised to rewrite the narrative of T1D treatment.
About Abata Therapeutics
At the heart of Abata Therapeutics beats a passionate commitment to transforming the lives of those grappling with severe autoimmune and inflammatory diseases. With a laser focus on harnessing the potential of regulatory T cells (Tregs), the company is rewriting the playbook of medical innovation.
Guided by the visionary minds that pioneered Treg biology, TCR and antigen discovery, disease pathogenesis, and molecular and imaging biomarkers, Abata is redefining what’s possible. Their arsenal of ingenuity includes an innovative product engine, churning out engineered Treg cell therapies that are not just powerful, but also tissue-specific, durable, and robust.
Among the stars in Abata’s constellation are two shining programs, each on the cusp of revolution. The lead program, like a beacon of hope, targets progressive multiple sclerosis (MS), while the second program sets its sights on the relentless foe – type 1 diabetes. These are no ordinary programs; they are the embodiments of Abata’s mission to tackle tissue-specific autoimmune diseases that have long yearned for transformative solutions.
With a journey that ignited in 2021 through the backing of Third Rock Ventures and a constellation of dynamic investors including ElevateBio, Lightspeed Venture Partners, Invus, Samsara BioCapital, and the JDRF T1D Fund, Abata is not just a biotech company; it’s a force of change that’s reshaping the landscape of medicine.