MOUNTAIN VIEW, CA--(Marketwire - April 28, 2010) - REGiMMUNE Corporation will present new preclinical data of the company's lead product, RGI-2001 (ToleroVax), at the 2010 American Transplant Congress (ATC) being held May 1 through 5 in San Diego, CA. In previous studies, ToleroVax demonstrated efficacy in introducing transplantation tolerance in models of acute Graft-versus-Host disease (GvHD) and skin transplantation. ToleroVax has been shown to induce antigen-specific immune suppression by inducing regulatory T cells (Tregs), a T cell subset that plays a central role in inducing and maintaining immune tolerance.
The preclinical study to be presented at the upcoming meeting evaluated the impact of commonly used immunosuppressants on ToleroVax-induced Treg expansion. The new data will describe the effects of anti-thymocyte globulin (ATG) or tacrolimus (TAC) on activation of tolerogenic cellular cascade, including regulatory dendritic cells (DCregs) and CD4+Foxp3+ Tregs. The results will be used to design optimal ToleroVax-based protocols for the prevention of graft rejection in combination with other immunosuppressants.
ToleroVax is a proprietary liposomal formulation of KRN7000, a synthetic derivative of alpha-galactosylceramide. REGiMMUNE is developing ToleroVax for the prevention of acute GvHD associated with bone marrow transplantation. The company plans to initiate a Phase I study in the third quarter of 2010.
The oral presentation at the 2010 ATC is scheduled during the session "Immunosupression Preclinical Studies" on May 4, 2010 and will be given by lead author and REGiMMUNE scientist Omar Duramad, Ph.D. The results collectively suggested that ToleroVax in combination with ATG may offer a basis to develop novel therapeutic strategies to prevent graft rejection by effectively inducing Treg-mediated transplantation tolerance.
Registered attendees can view the abstract on line at www.abstracts2view.com/atc/:
Abstract Title: "Robust Synergy between a Liposomal alpha-Galactosylceramide (RGI-2001) and Anti-Thymocyte Globulin in the Induction of Tolerogenic Tregs In Vivo."
Time: 2:15 pm - 3:45 pm
Publication Number: 361
Presentation Time: 2:51 pm
Location: Room 29A
About REGiMMUNE
REGiMMUNE is a biotechnology company focused on the discovery, development and commercialization of immune regulatory therapeutics to treat life-threatening and debilitating conditions, including allergies, autoimmune diseases and transplantation. The company's proprietary platform technology, reVax, induces immune tolerance in an antigen-specific manner through pharmacological induction of regulatory T (Treg) cells. Using its reVax technology, REGiMMUNE is developing ToleroVax, which may be the first drug in the class of Treg-inducing agents.
The company is also applying its reVax technology to develop a range of pipeline products, including its RGI-1000 series for allergy and its RGI-3000 series for autoimmune diseases. Additionally REGiMMUNE is developing its RGI-4000 series for vaccine adjuvants. The company is headquartered in Tokyo, Japan and has a U.S. subsidiary in Mountain View, California. For more information, visit www.regimmune.com.
Contact Information:
US MEDIA CONTACT
Debra Bannister
530 676-8001