(October 29, 2018) – Forbius, a clinical stage company developing biotherapeutics targeting EGFR and TGF-β pathways, announced today a poster presentation demonstrating the ability of AVID200, an isoform selective TGF-β inhibitor, to enhance the anti-tumor activity of T-cells. Notably, AVID200 significantly enhanced the activity of anti-PD-L1 immune checkpoint inhibition in vivo. This presentation highlights the collaborative work done with the laboratory of Dr. James Koropatnick, Director of the Strategic Training Program in Cancer Research and Technology Transfer at the London Health Sciences Centre. This research is sponsored by the previously announced peer-reviewed BioCanRx grant with a total project value of CAD$1,655,297, and BioCanRx contributing CAD$675,000.
About AVID200
Forbius developed AVID200 to be a highly potent and isoform-selective TGF-β inhibitor. AVID200 neutralizes TGF-β1 and-β3 with pM potency. These isoforms are known to be drivers of fibrosis and tumor immune resistance. In contrast, TGF-β2 is a positive regulator of hematopoiesis and normal cardiac function, and blockade of TGF-β2 is therefore undesirable. The ability of AVID200 to selectively target TGF-β1 and -β3 positions it to be an effective and well-tolerated therapeutic in fibrotic diseases and immuneoncology.
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.