The startup specializes in the diagnosis of Sjögren's disease through the development of bispecific soluble receptor fusion proteins that target multiple biomarkers associated with the condition. This technology enables accurate and timely diagnosis, improving patient outcomes and facilitating better treatment decisions for healthcare providers.
Funding
Funding not disclosed
Founders
Product
Problem
Sjögren's syndrome, an autoimmune disorder predominantly affecting women, lacks targeted and effective treatments beyond symptom management, leading to significant morbidity and potential organ failure in a substantial percentage of patients. Current treatments often involve managing symptoms with eye drops and immunosuppressive therapies that carry significant side effects, highlighting the need for more specific and efficacious therapeutic interventions.
Solution
Fab Biopharma is developing bispecific soluble receptor fusion proteins designed to simultaneously target key T and B cell-activating cytokines and ligands implicated in Sjögren's syndrome. This dual-targeting approach aims to modulate the hyperactive immune response characteristic of the disease, reducing immune system activity to normal levels without compromising its protective function against pathogens. By binding extracellular ligands, the soluble receptors prevent them from signaling through the cell membrane, thereby reducing the activation of both B and T cells. This therapeutic strategy has the potential to induce complete remission of Sjögren's syndrome by counteracting the rogue adaptive immune response, offering a significant advancement over current symptom-focused treatments. The bispecific design allows for a wider therapeutic window, potentially increasing safety and efficacy for a greater number of patients.
Target Audience
The primary target audience includes women affected by Sjögren's syndrome, as well as healthcare providers specializing in rheumatology and autoimmune disorders seeking more effective and targeted treatment options.
Features
- Bispecific soluble receptor fusion proteins engineered to bind two different cytokines simultaneously.
- Soluble receptors composed of extracellular domains of membrane-bound receptors found on key immune cell types (B cells and T cells).
- Cytokine targets selected based on their emerging importance in Sjögren's and other T cell + B cell autoimmune diseases.
- Designed to leave membrane-bound receptors and their immune cells intact and functional.
- Potential to optimize patient dosing to counteract the hyperactive immune response.
- Reduces activation of both B and T cells simultaneously without compromising innate immunity.