- AVID200 potently shuts down TGF-beta signaling, inhibits proliferation of mesenchymal stem cells and their collagen production, and promotes growth of normal hematopoietic progenitor cells
- A Phase 1 clinical trial evaluating AVID200 in myelofibrosis planned for early 2019
- AVID200 presentation on Saturday, December 1st at 6:15 PM PST
(Nov. 30, 2018) – Forbius, a clinical-stage company developing biologics for the treatment of cancer and fibrosis, announced that its collaborators at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai will present a poster tomorrow, Dec. 1, featuring AVID200, at the 60th ASH Annual Meeting.
Previous studies have shown that hyperactive TGF-beta signaling is a fundamental defect driving bone marrow fibrosis (Chagraoui et al., Blood, 2002). This presentation highlights the ability of AVID200 to shut down TGF-beta signaling, which decreases proliferation of mesenchymal stem cells and their collagen production. Importantly, when cells from myelofibrosis patients were treated with AVID200, this promoted proliferation of normal hematopoietic progenitors, while decreasing the proportion of myelofibrosis malignant progenitor cells.
AVID200 is uniquely positioned to be an effective treatment of MF because of isoform selectivity. TGF-beta 2 has been shown to be a positive promoter of hematopoiesis as well as normal cardiac function, whereas TGF-beta 1 and 3 promote fibrosis and myeloproliferation. AVID200 was therefore designed to selectively neutralize TGF-beta 1 & 3 for optimal efficacy and safety.
A Phase 1 trial evaluating AVID200 in patients with myelofibrosis is planned for early 2019.
The poster, entitled AVID200, a Potent Trap for TGF-β Ligands Inhibits TGF-β 1 Signaling in Human Myelofibrosis, will be presented by Lilian Varricchio, PhD, on Saturday, December 1st from 6:15 PM-8:15 PM PST in Hall GH of the San Diego Convention Center.
The abstract and full details for the poster presentation can be found on the ASH website.
About AVID200
Forbius developed AVID200 to be a highly potent and isoform-selective TGF-β inhibitor. AVID200 neutralizes TGF-beta 1 and 3 with pM potency. These isoforms are known to be drivers of fibrosis and tumor immune resistance. In contrast, TGF-beta 2 is a positive regulator of hematopoiesis and normal cardiac function, therefore blockade of TGF-beta 2 is undesirable. The ability of AVID200 to selectively target TGF-beta 1 and 3 positions it to be an effective and well-tolerated therapeutic in fibrotic diseases and immune oncology.
About Forbius: Targeting TGF-beta and EGFR Pathways in Fibrosis and Cancer
Forbius is a clinical stage protein engineering company that designs, develops, and commercializes biotherapeutics for the treatment of fibrosis and cancer. Our current focus is the development of agents targeting the transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) and epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) pathways.
Our lead program targeting the TGF-beta pathway is AVID200. AVID200 is a rationally designed and highly potent TGF-beta 1 & 3 inhibitor. This TGF-beta isoform selectivity was chosen in order to achieve an optimal therapeutic index. The AVID200 program has been cleared by the FDA for two Phase 1b clinical trials in fibrotic indications, as well as a Phase 1 clinical trial in solid tumors. Additional clinical trials in fibrotic indications are planned for 2019.
Forbius' lead program targeting the EGFR pathway is AVID100. AVID100 is an anti-EGFR antibody-drug conjugate. This program has completed a Phase 1 clinical trial and has commenced Phase 2a clinical trials in EGFR overexpressing solid tumors.