Patrys releases positive data from deoxymabs study to treat ANCA vasculitis

Patrys (ASX: PAB) has released positive data from pre-clinical studies using deoxymabs PAT-DX1 and PAT-DX3 in animal models of the autoimmune disease anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA) vasculitis.

The therapeutic antibody development company has previously reported non-clinical results that showed the deoxymabs can suppress the formation of neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs), which are structures comprised of DNA strands and certain proteins produced by neutrophils.

Recent studies have indicated that NETs may play an important role in the establishment and maintenance of cancer cells, the spreading of cancer (metastasis) and in regulating inflammation.

The formation of NETs is one of the underlying processes in the development of ANCA vasculitis.

Inhibiting NETs

Key results from the pre-clinical studies show that PAT-DX1 and PAT-DX3 are able to inhibit the formation of NETs in an animal model of ANCA vasculitis.

Both deoxymabs were found to have reduced the level of inflammation and kidney injury in the animal model without any detrimental effect on neutrophils, indicating that the method of administration did not result in any suppression of the immune system.

Patrys managing director Dr James Campbell said the company was “very excited” by the discovery.

“ANCA vasculitis is a challenging condition and, while current treatments have been able to transform it into a relapsing or remitting disease, they are also associated with increased drug-related toxicities and organ damage,” he said.

“We believe a treatment that is able to reduce the inflammation associated with this disease without suppressing the immune system could provide a very attractive therapeutic option for patients.”

Vasculitis characteristics

ANCA vasculitis is characterised by the pathological accumulation of activated neutrophils and NETs within small blood vessels.

The condition can attack the kidneys and, if untreated, lead to renal failure and death.

There is currently an unmet need for ANCA vasculitis therapies without serious side effects.

Current therapies for ANCA vasculitis include high doses of toxic immunotherapy agents such as cyclophosphamide and corticosteroids, therapeutic antibodies targeting B cells, or adjunct therapy (C5aR inhibition, TAVENOS) that can put patients at risk of serious infections.