Just parking.
Old concept according to Rick, but they did just snag significant funding.
tolerrx.com
...TolerRx has developed technology whereby a monoclonal antibody is rendered capable of inducing tolerance to itself, while maintaining its ability to target antigen and carry out its function in vivo. Using a set of proprietary modifications, the antibody is camouflaged to be "invisible" or to pose as "self". This method enables immunologically foreign antibody molecules to be used without risk of evoking a host immune response to them. TolerRx has named antibodies modified in this way as TolerMab™ antibodies.
Obstructive elements tethered to the amino terminus of the antibody light chain hinder and slow antibody-epitope interactions and binding to target sites. However, the complementarity determining regions (CDRs) of the antibody are not altered and thus antibody-epitope binding is delayed, but not destroyed. This change in binding kinetics (slow on rate) shifts the equilibrium towards free, non-cell binding antibody over bound antibody immediately after dosing. The higher concentration of free antibody triggers the induction of high-zone tolerance mechanisms which subsequently dominate over immunogenic responses. These mechanisms include activation and deletion of antigen specific cells, T cell anergy, and active suppression by CD4+ T regulatory cells.
In addition to their tolerogenicity, TolerMab™ antibodies may also be superior to traditional therapeutic antibodies in that they may reduce or eliminate first dose effects such as headache, fever, and nausea due to cytokine release. This unique characteristic is attributed to the delayed binding kinetics of TolerMab™ antibodies.
For more information on our TolerMab™ technology, including partnering or licensing opportunities, please contact businessdevelopment@tolerrx.com...
...and a development deal -
CAMBRIDGE, Mass., Jan. 3 /PRNewswire/ -- TolerRx, Inc., a biopharmaceutical company specializing in the discovery and development of therapies that induce and maintain immunological tolerance, today announced the signing of a collaboration agreement with Genentech, Inc. (NYSE: DNA - News) to develop and commercialize TRX1, TolerRx's lead product. In addition, TolerRx announced the initiation of a Phase I clinical trial of TRX1 in the United Kingdom.
Under the agreement, TolerRx will receive an upfront payment and equity investment totaling $6 million. The agreement also provides for TolerRx to receive development milestone payments as well as to receive royalty payments based on net sales of TRX1. In addition, TolerRx has the option to participate in a cost and profit sharing relationship in the United States.
TRX1 is directed at the CD4 antigen on T cells and has been designed and genetically modified to generate tolerogenic immune responses. In the Phase I clinical trial, the safety and pharmacokinetics of TRX1 are being evaluated in a single dose, dose escalating, placebo-controlled study.
"Genentech is the world leader in monoclonal antibody development and the ideal partner for us to bring this novel therapy to patients. The collaboration with Genentech and the initiation of the Phase I clinical trial are important milestones for TolerRx as we continue to research and develop therapies based on immunological tolerance," stated Douglas J. Ringler, V.M.D., President and Chief Executive Officer at TolerRx. |
