IMMvention Therapeutix to collaborate with Novo Nordisk on oral therapies for sickle cell, other chronic diseases
This article originally appeared on the NCBiotech website and was written by Chris Capot, NCBiotech Writer. MMvention Therapeutix has entered a strategic collaboration with Novo Nordisk to co-develop oral therapies for sickle cell disease (SCD) using its investigational Bach1 inhibitors, which have the potential to increase fetal hemoglobin and improve patient outcomes.
IMMvention Therapeutix, Inc., a Durham early-stage biotechnology company focused on discovering and developing human therapeutics, will collaborate with Novo Nordisk A/S to co-develop oral therapies for sickle cell disease (SCD) and other chronic conditions.
The collaboration will leverage IMMvention’s investigational small-molecule Bach1 inhibitors. Bach1 is thought to be a key regulator of cellular responses, oxidative stress, and inflammation in multiple disease states, making it a promising therapeutic target, the company said. Currently, in preclinical development, IMMvention’s orally dosed Bach1 inhibitors have the potential to increase fetal hemoglobin, which is believed to ameliorate SCD disease pathology.
Under the agreement, Novo Nordisk will gain an exclusive worldwide license to IMMvention’s Bach1 program. The companies will work together closely to advance Bach1 inhibitors from the program to development candidate nomination. Upon or prior to nomination of a development candidate, Novo Nordisk will take over all further development, regulatory submissions, and commercialization worldwide.
“We are excited to partner with Novo Nordisk. This collaboration represents a significant milestone for IMMvention and reinforces our vision to address unmet needs in sickle cell disease and beyond,” said Anil Goyal, Ph.D., CEO and co-founder of IMMvention. “Despite the current treatments and recent gene therapies, we believe that there remains a pressing need for globally accessible, effective, and convenient oral therapies for people with SCD. With Novo Nordisk’s expertise and commitment, we are poised to advance our novel Bach1 inhibitors and hope to bring meaningful treatment options to patients.”
(bottom, l-r) Montana Wagner, program director; Jessica Sorrentino Zimmerman, CSO and head of R&D; and Roheeth Pavana, director, chemistry.
BACH1 is believed to be a biologically relevant target in sickle cell disease, a potentially life-threatening condition, according to Jaya Goyal, Corporate Vice President, Rare Disease Research, at Novo Nordisk.
"IMMvention has identified investigational BACH1 inhibitors and generated relevant preclinical data. We are excited to partner with IMMvention to advance this program and explore a promising therapeutic option for people living with sickle cell disease," Goyal said.
The company is funded by Osage University Partners, Hatteras Venture Partners, Delin Ventures and Alexandria Venture Investments and a Small Business Research Loan from the North Carolina Biotechnology Center.
"Congratulations to IMMvention on forming this collaboration," said Mike Carnes, vice president of Emerging Company Development for NCBiotech. "Recognizing the strengths of the team and technology, NCBiotech was an early supporter of IMMvention and looks forward to great developments to come."
Separate from the systemic Bach1 inhibitors that are part of the collaboration, IMMvention has retained the rights to develop certain brain penetrant Bach1 inhibitors. Brain penetrant Bach1 inhibitors have the potential to address diseases such as Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, and other diseases where dysregulation of Bach1 is thought to contribute to disease pathology.
Sickle cell disease is a debilitating, life-threatening group of rare, inherited red blood cell disorders caused by a mutation in the hemoglobin gene, according to the American Society of Hematology. This mutation causes red blood cells to become stiff and half-moon or 'sickle' shaped. Sickle cells are less effective at carrying oxygen, do not last as long as healthy cells, and risk getting stuck in blood vessels, leading to blockages known as vaso-occlusion.
Sickle cell disease is characterized by acute and chronic pain, anemia, and fatigue alongside VOCs, which can require hospitalization and can lead to complications, including organ damage. Globally, almost 8 million people are living with sickle cell disease.
