Mestag is developing a first-in-class antibody-based therapeutic that conditionally induces TLS in solid tumours. The presence of TLS is strongly correlated with survival and response to treatment and have recently been recognized as important drivers of anti-tumour immunity. Acting as local lymph nodes, TLS are inducible immunological powerhouses that rapidly recruit, activate, and educate anti-tumor immune cells.

IOMX-0675, a fully human, cross-specific antibody recognizing both LILRB1 and LILRB2, was identified from iOmx’s proprietary phage display library. Selective binding, with high affinity to the inhibitory receptors LILRB1 and LILRB2, while only weakly recognising the closely related immune activating LILR family members LILRA1 and LILRA3, allows potent reprogramming of the immunosuppressive myeloid compartment and restoration of cytotoxic T cell activity in the tumour microenvironment. The differentiated binding profile of IOMX-0675 could unleash full anti-tumour activity potential.

MYC has so far remained a most wanted but undruggable target in oncology. OMO-103 is the first intravenously delivered cell-penetrating mini-protein to have successfully overcome the challenges to drug MYC and completed a clinical trial in human patients showing safety and first signs of clinical activity, supported by molecular target engagement. Here, we present the preclinical development and results from this first-in-human clinical study.

The Dropzylla technology employs a high-throughput microfluidic platform for the cloning of human cognate antibody repertoires. The recombinant repertoires are the basis for the selection of best-in-class antibodies. In this presentation an update of the virological lead program BKV is given. The platform is now also adapted to the cloning of tumor-infiltrating B cells and the selection of antibodies with anti-tumor activity.

Autoimmune diseases now affect about one in ten individuals and represent an increasing, unmet medical need. Nykode Therapeutics has developed an inverse vaccine platform that targets antigens directly to antigen presenting cells using a modular dimeric protein format known as a Vaccibody. Vaccibodies deliver a tolerogenic response toward disease-associated autoantigens which alleviate disease in the Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis model and in Non-Obese Diabetic mice either alone or combined with immune-modulatory proteins.

The presentation aims to summarise the role of neoepitopes induced by oxidative post-translational modifications of insulin and other beta cell antigens in the pathogenesis of type 1 (autoimmune) diabetes. The relevance of beta cell neoantigens as therapeutic targets and the development of specific autoantibody biomarkers as diagnostic tools will be discussed.

This presentation will showcase what the future of diagnostics and treatment looks like for Type 1 Diabetes. Highlights include potential new diagnostic and treatment using post-translational modified insulin and peptides. 

DNASE1L3 is a critical gatekeeper of tolerance to self-DNA. Multiple human genetic studies have identified null mutations in DNASE1L3 in families with early-onset systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Antibodies that block DNASE1L3 activity represent a recently described and novel type of autoreactivity in severe SLE. Blocking anti-DNASE1L3 antibodies have also been reported in other autoimmune diseases, namely hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA), suggesting they may be relevant beyond SLE.

The past five years have shown pressure on the development of therapeutic platforms enabling both rapid drug candidate generation and broad-spectrum activity to minimise treatment escape upon adaptation of the pathogens. We have been demonstrating that the Nanofitin alternative scaffold generation platform allows for the generation of therapeutic candidates of high neutralisation potential in roughly 100 days, and can be amenable to local treatment in the case of pulmonary diseases.

At Alchemab we are pursuing a unique patient-centred approach to the discovery of novel drug targets, with a focus on hard-to-treat neurodegenerative diseases. We have discovered protective auto-antibodies in patients resilient to disease that are now being developed into therapeutics. This presentation will highlight a case study from one of our lead programs, from antibody and target discovery through to development.

Brainstorm and network with colleagues. What does the future of Emerging Targets look like for your lab? What are some challenges and how do you plan to overcome those? Join us for causal conversation to close out the day!