Abivax is developing obefazimod, an orally administered small molecule that enhances the expression of miR-124 to stabilize immune responses in patients with chronic inflammatory diseases. This approach aims to restore homeostatic levels of cytokines and chemokines, addressing the dysregulated inflammation seen in conditions like ulcerative colitis and rheumatoid arthritis.
Funding
$163.5M raised to dateRaised to date based on public sources. This may differ from the amount the company actually raised and is based only on what is publicly available on the internet.
CCHCFounders
Product
Problem
Patients with chronic inflammatory diseases often experience dysregulated immune responses due to imbalances in cytokine and chemokine levels. Current treatments may not durably restore immune homeostasis, potentially leading to compensatory immune escape mechanisms and long-term efficacy issues.
Solution
Abivax is developing obefazimod, an orally administered small molecule designed to enhance the expression of microRNA-124 (miR-124) in immune cells. By increasing miR-124 levels, obefazimod aims to stabilize the immune response and restore homeostatic levels of multiple cytokines and chemokines that are dysregulated in chronic inflammatory conditions. This approach may lower the potential for compensatory immune escape mechanisms, potentially resulting in more durable, long-term efficacy. Obefazimod is currently in Phase 3 clinical trials for ulcerative colitis.
Target Audience
The primary target audience includes patients with chronic inflammatory diseases, specifically those with ulcerative colitis and rheumatoid arthritis.
Features
- Orally administered, once-daily small molecule
- Enhances the expression of miR-124 in immune cells
- Stabilizes cytokine and chemokine levels
- May lower the potential for compensatory immune escape mechanisms
- Novel mechanism of action (MOA) targeting microRNA biology