Neovacs Reports First Positive Immunogenicity Results

Neovacs recently announced the recommendation of its Scientific Advisory Board to extend the development of IFN Kinoid to a new indication, Type 1 Diabetes, with the objectives of obtaining preclinical proof-of-concept in 2017 and initiating clinical development for this program in the first half of 2018. IFN Kinoid is also currently in Phase IIb testing for treatment of Lupus and recently received US FDA Fast Track designation in this indication.

“Based on the immunogenicity results obtained in relevant preclinical model (NOD-Mice) and our Phase I/IIa data in Lupus, showing a reduction in IFN alpha signature after IFN Kinoid treatment, we believe this product also has significant potential in the treatment of Type 1 Diabetes, in addition to Lupus. Further data from preclinical proof-of-concept study in Type 1 diabetes – expected in summer 2017 – will be an important value creating milestone for Neovacs,” said Miguel Sieler, Chief Executive Officer. “I wish to thank the distinguished members of our Scientific Advisory Board for their work and continuous support.”

The recommendation issued by the company’s scientific advisory Board is based on achieving a high level of immunogenicity after IFN Kinoid administration, in a relevant preclinical model of Type 1 diabetes. Indeed, Neovacs observed in treated NOD-Mice, a significant level of anti-interferon Alpha neutralizing antibodies. This study was conducted by Neovacs in collaboration with Doctor Agnès Lehuen and Professor Christian Boitard from the Department of Immunology of Diabetes at the Hospital Cochin in Paris.

The rationale for pursuing Type 1 diabetes is further supported by well-established data showing that overexpression of IFNα plays a key role in this autoimmune disease, as also observed in Lupus and dermatomyositis. In its completed Phase I/IIa study with IFN Kinoid in Lupus, Neovacs demonstrated that IFN Kinoid generated long-lasting anti-interferon polyclonal antibodies that had biological activity capable of neutralizing the IFN signature in humans suffering from Lupus. In addition, a favorable safety profile was observed.

Neovacs targets pathologies associated with an overproduction of endogenous cytokines. This technology is based on active immunotherapy to generate an immune response through the administration of an immunogenic complex involving the target cytokine to a carrier protein. The intramuscular injection of this Kinoid induces an immune response and stimulates the production of polyclonal antibodies against the target cytokines. It is thus possible to block cytokine overproduction and its pharmacological effects. Several autoimmune and inflammatory diseases (Type 1 diabetes, systemic lupus erythematosus, psoriasis, etc) are characterized by a disorder of cytokines that are found produced in excess (ex: IFNα). This overproduction will promote inflammation and dysregulation of the immune system.

Listed on Alternext Paris since 2010, Neovacs is a leading biotechnology company focused on an active immunotherapy technology platform (Kinoids) with applications in autoimmune and/or inflammatory diseases. On the basis of the company’s proprietary technology for inducing a polyclonal immune response (covered by five patent families that potentially run until 2032) Neovacs is focusing its clinical development efforts on IFNα-Kinoid, an immunotherapy being developed for the indication of lupus, dermatomyositis, and also in preclinical trial for Type 1 diabetes. Neovacs is also conducting preclinical development works on other therapeutic vaccines in the fields of auto-immune diseases, oncology and allergies. The goal of the Kinoid approach is to enable patients to have access to safe treatments with efficacy that is sustained in these life-long diseases. For more information, visit www.neovacs.fr.