T1D is a chronic condition characterized by autoimmune destruction of the insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas, leading to increased blood and urine glucose levels, as well as a range of complications. Currently there is no drug approved to address the underlying cause of the disease, therefore lifelong injection of insulin is the first-line treatment for T1D. Intrexon's ActoBiotics®platform represents an innovative therapeutic paradigm for T1D to prevent, retard, or reverse the destruction of the beta cells.
As detailed in the peer-reviewed publication, Oral Delivery of Glutamic Acid Decarboxylase (GAD)-65 and IL10 by Lactococcus lactis Reverses Diabetes in Recent-Onset NOD Mice, ActoBiotics® therapeutics co-expressing the anti-inflammatory cytokine interleukin-10 (IL-10) demonstrated reversal of T1D following oral administration. Introduction of these auto-antigens induced antigen-specific suppressive regulatory T cells specifically at the inflamed target organ and antigen-draining lymph nodes, validating the potential of ActoBiotics® based immunotherapy for intervention in T1D.
Through an Exclusive Channel Collaboration agreement, Intrexon received a technology access fee of $10 million. Intrexon T1D Partners, LLC, in which Intrexon owns a fifty percent interest, will be responsible for all costs related to the development, manufacture, approval and commercialization of the product. |
