Antibody-Based Drug for Lupus Shows Promise

An early study has shown that a new drug is safe in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (lupus) and binds to red blood cells, which demonstrates that the drug functions in humans as expected. The data were presented at a meeting of the American College of Rheumatology in New Orleans (LA, USA).

The drug (ETI-104) is a monoclonal antibody to a receptor on the red blood cell cross-linked to double-stranded DNA (the antigen). The drug was developed by Elusys Therapeutics, Inc. (Pine Brook, NJ) and is based on the company's Heteropolymer (HP) technology. This monoclonal antibody-based technology enables the body to use its own red blood cells to remove and destroy many blood-borne pathogens, toxins, and autoantibodies. The HP consists of two monoclonal antibodies that are chemically joined together like biologic double-sided tape. One sticks to the target to be removed; the other binds to a receptor found on the red blood cells of all primates. Once the target is bound, the red blood cells carry the pathogen to the liver, where it is destroyed.

The HP is modified slightly for autoimmune diseases. Instead of two monoclonal
antibodies that are chemically attached, one antibody is linked to an antigen that targets pathogenic autoantibodies. The Antigen-Heteropolymer (AHP) binds the autoantibodies to red blood cells for removal and destruction in the liver. Preclinical studies have shown that AHPs can remove antibodies similar to those produced in people with SLE.

Lupus is an autoimmune disease of unknown origin, involving the production of autoantibodies--antibodies targeted against normal tissue components in the body--that cause inflammation and damage to a variety of organs. About 50% of lupus patients suffer from kidney involvement. There is currently no cure for the disease.

"In addition to confirming the safety of ETI-104 in humans, these results show activity in humans, and therefore establish proof of principle for the first product of our Heteropolymer technology,” said Linda Nardone, Ph.D., vice president of clinical and regulatory affairs for Elusys.




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