Pipeline > PA401
PA401 is a glycan-binding decoy protein based on IL-8 and it is ProtAffin’s most advanced product candidate. Using our CellJammer® discovery platform, we have modified wild-type human IL-8 (CXCL8) so that it acts as a targeted anti-inflammatory product. The novel mechanism of action of PA401 has been thoroughly characterised in vitro, using cell-based assays, in ex vivo models and in preclinical disease models. PA401 shows a strongly increased binding affinity to glycans driving inflammatory processes, as well as impaired binding to CXCR1 and CXCR2, the GPCR receptors for IL-8 found on human neutrophils. PA401 can be cost-effectively manufactured by E.coli fermentation.
PA401 has shown breakthrough efficacy in a number of preclinical efficacy models of chronic and acute lung inflammation which are relevant to modeling chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in man. The activity of PA401 has been successfully benchmarked to more established anti-inflammatory products on the market and in clinical development, and PA401 shows distinct advantages compared to other therapeutic modalities. PA401 has also demonstrated flexibility in use, with various routes of administration being demonstrated in preclinical efficacy models. More confidential information on PA401 is available from the Company on request.
Composition of matter patents protecting PA401 have been granted in both the EU and the US. ProtAffin was previously granted Orphan Drug designations for PA401 in the US and EU for treating neutrophilic inflammation in the organ transplantation setting.
PA401 is in preclinical development at ProtAffin for COPD and a Phase 1 study will be completed in 2012.