New Treatment for Autoimmune Inflammatory Diseases Begins Phase 1 Trial in Australia
Dosing has begun in a new Phase 1 clinical trial of a bispecific antibody called APVO210 which is being developed to treat autoimmune and inflammatory diseases such as lupus. Preclinical data suggests the agent has shown to generate T cells that could play a key role in the suppression of inflammatory processes in the body. The study is being conducted in Australia in two parts. The first group consists of up to 64 healthy volunteers receiving a single dose daily, and the second group will randomly receive a dose once or twice a week. Once a dosage is deemed safe, the agent will be tested in a group of 40 patients with psoriasis or ulcerative colitis (both are autoimmune diseases). Preliminary safety data and additional results are expected later this year.
The Lupus Foundation of America will continue to monitor the progress of this drug and provide an update when it’s in a clinical trial for lupus.