Could antigen modulation address autoimmune diseases?

Beyond Biotech - the podcast from Labiotech

Immunology is a key area in biotech and biopharma, both in terms of R&D and sales.

However, according to UK-headquartered Greywolf Therapeutics, the industry has only focused on two-thirds of the puzzle.

To have an immunological effect, you must activate the body’s T cells, which cells requires a chain of three key signals. The first is antigen recognition, i.e. the initial detection of a cell by a T-cell. The second is the co-stimulation of non-antigen presenting molecules, which enhances the immune response​. The final step is cytokine-mediated differentiation and expansion, which guides how T-cells target threats. ​

Companies have focused on the second two signals, with signal 2 most commonly seen in therapies such as checkpoint inhibitors and monoclonal antibodies. Signal 3, on the other hand, can be primarily seen in therapies for autoimmune disorders, such as anti-TNF and JAK inhibitors.

Greywolf Therapeutics is the first company to explore changing signal 1. The company says focusing on signal 1 applies in three key therapeutic areas: oncology, autoimmunity and virology.

Greywolf’s first candidate has delivered strong results during its ongoing phase I/II trial in oncology, therefore demonstrating proof-of-mechanism and target engagement, with its next candidate well-progressed in preclinical development in autoimmunity.

To tell us more about the company and its work is Pete Joyce, CEO and co-founder of Greywolf Therapeutics.

01:19-04:12: About Greywolf Therapeutics
04:12-04:51: The origins of the name
04:51-06:52: The three ‘signals’ of the mechanics of immunological responses
06:52-08:31: Treatments associated with each signal
08:31-10:09: Why is step 1 important, and why has it not been investigated for treatments?
10:09-11:28: What areas of disease is this applicable to?
11:28-12:19: How do you inhibit ERAP?
12:19-14:01: Greywolf Therapeutics’ candidates
14:01-15:11: How is this an advance on current treatments?
15:11-16:05: What is success for patients?
16:05-17:20: How does the stage of disease affect treatment?
17:20-18:09: Are other companies looking into antigen modulation?
18:09-19:47: Has this led to investment opportunities?
19:47-21:15: Next steps
21:15-21:55: Do you anticipate more interest in this space?
21:55-23:21: Attending events

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1. Could antigen modulation address autoimmune diseases? (00:00:00)

2. About Grey Wolf Therapeutics (00:01:19)

3. The origins of the name
 (00:04:12)

4. The three ‘signals’ of the mechanics of immunological responses
 (00:04:51)

5. Treatments associated with each signal
 (00:06:52)

6. Why is step 1 important, and why has it not been investigated for treatments?
 (00:08:31)

7. What areas of disease is this applicable to?
 (00:10:09)

8. How do you inhibit ERAP?
 (00:11:28)

9. Grey Wolf Therapeutics’ candidates
 (00:12:19)

10. How is this an advance on current treatments?
 (00:14:01)

11. What is success for patients?
 (00:15:11)

12. How does the stage of disease affect treatment?
 (00:16:05)

13. Are other companies looking into antigen modulation? (00:17:20)

14. Has this led to investment opportunities?
 (00:18:09)

15. Next steps
 (00:19:47)

16. Do you anticipate more interest in this space?
 (00:21:15)