Immutep Limited (ASX: IMM; NASDAQ: IMMP) (“Immutep” or “the Company”) announced that it has teamed up with Charles River to conduct a GLP toxicology study for their proprietary preclinical candidate IMP761, a first-in-class LAG-3 agonist antibody designed to address the root cause of many autoimmune diseases. This groundbreaking therapy is aimed to help reduce the overactivation of self-antigen-specific memory T cells expressing LAG-3 which are associated with a variety autoimmune illnesses.
Preclinical toxicology studies are a critical step in the drug development process that can prove the feasible safety and toxicity of an eventual drug product. Charles River is the perfect collaborator for us moving forward in the IND-enabling studies of our IMP761 program. With years of proven success and experience in assisting companies in early-stage development, Charles River is the ideal partner to make this important stride.
Immutep is at the forefront of the LAG-3 immunotherapy landscape, as we continue the development of IMP761, the first of its kind LAG-3 agonist antibody. We believe IMP761 can revolutionize the way immune disorders are treated, by targeting auto-reactive memory T cells at the root of these conditions. That is why we are proud to have teamed up with global giant Charles River for the upcoming pre-clinical trials of IMP761 in the first half of 2021.
IMP761 has been identified as a potential candidate for treating Th1-driven autoimmune diseases, such as oligoarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis. Preclinical studies have already revealed promising results, with IMP761 significantly reducing the levels of multiple cytokines (including IL-1β, IL-4, IL-6, IL-10, and IL-12) in comparison to the control group.
These results were published in Pediatric Research in May 2021, and the GLP toxicology results and other preclinical studies will be an important part of the Company’s clinical trial application. It is clear that through agonistic activation of LAG-3, IMP761 could challenge traditional treatments and provide a ground-breaking solution for these autoimmune conditions.
About IMP761
IMP761, a revolutionary first-in-class immunosuppressive LAG-3 agonist antibody, is poised to revolutionize the treatment of autoimmune diseases. By specifically targetting memory T cells that accumulate at disease sites, IMP761 has the potential to tackle sickness at its core.
Results from clinical trials published in the Journal of Immunology and Pediatric Research have revealed that IMP761 dramatically reduces T cell infiltration and cytokine secretion, laying the foundations for an innovative new approach to autoimmune disease therapies.
About Immutep
Immutep, a clinical stage biotechnology company, is a pioneer in unlocking the potential of Lymphocyte Activation Gene-3 (LAG-3), a key player in immunity. The innovative treatments we develop to activate or suppress the immune response hold the promise of providing powerful therapeutic options to patients suffering from cancer or autoimmune disease. Our commitment is to bring innovative solutions to those who need it most and create real value for our shareholders.