SciRhom nominates anti-iRhom2 antibody for development

Published: 11-Apr-2022

Having completed comprehensive characterisation of the molecule, the company will now enter into IND-enabling activities

SciRhom has nominated the anti-iRhom2 antibody it will advance into clinical development. For this antibody, the company has closed an agreement with a biopharmaceutical manufacturer for CMC development. This candidate has demonstrated outstanding preclinical efficacy in treating rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Having completed comprehensive characterisation of the molecule, the company will now enter into IND-enabling activities.

SciRhom’s drug candidate inhibits the cell surface-localised protein iRhom2, a critical regulator of the protease TACE (TNF-alpha-converting enzyme, ADAM17). By interfering with this complex, the antibody allows the simultaneous blockade of several pro-inflammatory signalling pathways without impairing protective functions, the company says. The therapeutic relevance of this antibody may also extend beyond autoimmunity, as research evidence suggests potential benefits of iRhom2 inhibition for additional therapeutic areas including inflammation, oncology, infectious and metabolic diseases.

“We are very pleased with the latest progress we have made towards bringing this promising therapeutic concept closer to the clinic,” said CEO Dr Jens Ruhe. “Our research and development team did a fantastic job in delivering this excellent molecule. The nominated antibody fulfils all attributes for a successful pharmaceutical development. We expect our clinical candidate to outperform standard of care medications and become an attractive treatment option for patients suffering from debilitating diseases.”

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