The study, which was conducted by Chemomab researchers working in collaboration with academic scientists, analyzed serum samples and clinical data from patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc) to assess the effect of the soluble protein CCL24 on the pathogenesis of SSc and its association with key aspects of SSc pathology. Chemomab's first-in-class monoclonal antibody, CM-101, is designed to neutralize CCL24 and normalize CCL24-driven fibro-inflammatory disease processes. CM-101 has been studied extensively in preclinical and patient models of SSc. Chemomab has an open IND in the
Systemic sclerosis is an autoimmune disease characterized by vascular injury and extensive tissue fibrosis of the skin and internal organs. It is the most lethal of the systemic rheumatological disorders. In this study, researchers analyzed whether CCL24 levels in SSc patients were associated with differences in functional measures such as the 6-minute walk test, as well as clinical manifestations of the disease such as the development of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), a serious cardiovascular complication of SSc. They found that the average level of CCL24 in SSc patients with PAH was significantly higher compared to the level in SSc patients without PAH and that SSc patients with higher CCL24 levels had significantly lower scores on the 6-minute walk exercise capacity test than those with lower CCL24 levels.
'These new data add to the extensive body of evidence showing that CCL24 is a major driver of the fibrotic and inflammatory processes underlying systemic sclerosis and other fibro-inflammatory diseases,' said
Endothelial cells are a major target of autoimmune attack in SSc. Studies have demonstrated that endothelial cells are capable of undergoing EndMT, a type of differentiation into other cell types such as fibroblasts. EndMT is involved in the pathogenesis of malignant, vascular, inflammatory and fibrotic disorders in adults. In this study researchers examined how CCL24 and its receptor, CCR3, might impact EndMT. Using cell-based assays, the researchers showed that CCL24, alongside factors present in the SSc microenvironment, enhances the EndMT process. This enhancement is characterized by an increase in mesenchymal markers, a decrease in endothelial markers, increased cell migration and an upregulation of CCR3 expression in endothelial cells. Notably, in cell-based assays, the addition of Chemomab's CCL24-neutralizing antibody CM-101 substantially mitigated these EndMT-related processes.
Forward Looking Statements
This press release contains 'forward-looking statements' within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act. These forward-looking statements include, among other things, statements regarding the clinical development pathway for CM-101; the length, duration and impact of the war in
About
Chemomab is a clinical stage biotechnology company developing innovative therapeutics for fibro-inflammatory diseases with high unmet need. Based on the unique and pivotal role of CCL24 in promoting fibrosis and inflammation, Chemomab developed CM-101, a monoclonal antibody designed to neutralize CCL24 activity. In preclinical and clinical studies, CM-101 appears safe, with the potential to treat multiple severe and life-threatening fibro-inflammatory diseases. Chemomab has reported encouraging results from three clinical trials of CM-101 in patients, including a Phase 1b trial in NAFLD patients, a Phase 2a liver fibrosis trial in NASH patients and an investigator-initiated study in patients with severe lung injury. The CM-101 program for the treatment of systemic sclerosis is Phase 2-ready and a Phase 2 trial in primary sclerosing cholangitis patients is ongoing, with topline data expected in the second half of 2024.
Contact:
Tel: +1 917-355-9234
Email: barbara.lindheim@chemomab.com
(C) 2023 Electronic News Publishing, source