ImmunoBrain Checkpoint Inc. (IBC), a pioneering biopharmaceutical company creating cutting-edge disease-modifying immune therapies to fight neurodegenerative diseases, has just administered its first two dosages of IBC-Ab002 to two patients with early Alzheimer’s disease in the Phase 1b IBC-01-01 clinical trial.
This innovative, fully human anti-PD-L1 monoclonal antibody is designed to utilize the body’s peripheral immune system to combat the various pathological elements that cause the cognitive effects and progression of neurodegenerative diseases, such as local brain inflammation, amyloid beta, tau pathologies, and neuronal loss.
After decades of research into the role of the immune system in brain aging and neurodegenerative disease, IBC is proud to announce the initiation of its IBC-01-01 clinical investigation – a significant milestone for IBC, as well as a transformed understanding of brain-immune relationships.
According to preclinical data, controlled activation of the peripheral immune system may contain brain neuroinflammation and potentially lead to disease modification, offering a potential new approach to treating early and later stage Alzheimer’s disease.
Professor Michal Schwartz, Ph.D., co-founder and Chief Scientific Officer of IBC, is excited to bring this research to the clinic and provide a much-needed breakthrough in the treatment of Alzheimer’s.
At IBC, we are eager to explore the potential of IBC-Ab002 to address the significant unmet medical need of Alzheimer’s disease. Our novel and innovative therapeutic approach has the potential to make a real difference in the lives of those affected by this neurodegenerative condition and their loved ones. We are committed to doing all we can to improve the quality of life for those living with Alzheimer’s disease.
The Dementia Research Centre at University College London is excited to announce the successful recruitment of the first two patients for its groundbreaking immunotherapy study. This marks a major milestone in understanding the therapeutic potential of this therapy for dementia, and brings us one step closer to unlocking its potential. Led by principal investigator and head of clinical trials, Catherine Mummery, M.D., this study promises to revolutionize how we approach dementia treatment.
IBC-01-01 [NCT05551741] is an exciting, groundbreaking clinical trial that seeks to investigate the safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics, and potential efficacy of IBC-Ab002 in patients with early Alzheimer’s disease. This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, first-in-human Phase 1b study will involve single and multiple ascending doses, with a 3:1 patient randomization of IBC-Ab002 or placebo. Taking place across Israel, the UK, and the Netherlands, the trial aims to enroll a total of 40 participants.
About ImmunoBrain Checkpoint
ImmunoBrain Checkpoint (IBC) is revolutionizing the fight against neurodegenerative diseases with its pioneering immune therapies. Founded in 2015, IBC builds upon Professor Michal Schwartz’s 20-year research journey at the Weizmann Institute of Science. This research uncovered the complex relationship between the brain and the immune system, and showed how disruption of this communication played a role in aging and Alzheimer’s disease.
From this breakthrough, IBC created IBC-Ab002, an antibody targeting an inhibitory immune checkpoint, which is thought to restore brain/immune communication and protect the brain from functional loss.
Currently, IBC is evaluating IBC-Ab002 in the IBC-01-01 clinical trial for Alzheimer’s disease [NCT05551741], supported by grants from the National Institute on Aging (NIA) and the Alzheimer’s Association.
About IBC-Ab002
IBC-Ab002 is an innovative anti-PD-L1 antibody developed by IBC that could revolutionize the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease. Pre-clinical studies have demonstrated that by transiently activating the peripheral immune system through checkpoint blockade, inflammation in the brain can be reduced and the accumulation of toxic proteins such as tau and amyloid can be counteracted. This leads to neuroprotective effects and a slowing of cognitive decline.
In order to maximize its safety profile, IBC-Ab002 is administered every three months and has an optimized short half-life that allows for a transient inhibition of the PD-L1 immune checkpoint pathway. It is hoped that this innovative approach will revolutionize treatments for Alzheimer’s disease.