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Ablynx (Euronext:ABLX) generates new Nanobodies against GPCR and announces
start of preclinical RANKL programme
GHENT, Belgium, 10 October, 2008 - Ablynx [Euronext Brussels: ABLX], a
pioneer in the discovery and development of Nanobodies®, a novel class of
antibody-derived therapeutic proteins, announced today it has successfully
generated Nanobodies® against several GPCR receptors. Furthermore, Ablynx
will present during its R&D update in Ghent today, its new preclinical
development programme ALX-0141, a Nanobody® against Receptor Activator for
Nuclear Factor kappa B Ligand (RANKL), an important target for bone
disorders such as osteoporosis. The Company also provided an update on the
significant progress made of its Nanobody® therapeutic pipeline and Nanobody®
technology platform.
Nanobodies® are a new class of therapeutic proteins that contain the unique
structural and functional properties of naturally-occurring single domain
antibodies. Nanobodies® have been generated against over 100 different
targets now including complex targets such as GPCRs which are typically
extremely difficult to approach with conventional monoclonal antibodies.
Nanobody® constructs have been generated against GPCRs with picomolar
activity in functional cellular assays such as chemotaxis and cell mobility.
Ablynx has validated 25 Nanobody® programmes in relevant in vivo models.
ALX-0141 is the first single domain antibody developed by Ablynx that
specifically targets RANKL, an essential regulator of osteoclasts, the cells
involved in the breakdown of bone. ALX-0141 is now in preclinical
development and Ablynx will progress the programme towards clinical
development for osteoporosis.
"We are delighted to present our new preclinical development programme
ALX-0141 against RANKL, a key mediator of bone resorption and look forward
to advancing this programme towards the clinic. We are also very pleased
with the important discovery that we can generate Nanobodies® against
different classes of GPCRs. This opens up new opportunities in many new
disease areas”, said Dr Edwin Moses, Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of
Ablynx. "We continue to be on track to finalise our multi-dose Phase Ib
study in patients for our lead programme, ALX-0081 a novel anti-thrombotic,
by the end of this year and prepare for the initiation of a Phase II study.
We are also progressing well towards our goal of filing five IND equivalents
by 2012.”
The R&D Review Day presentation will be available on the Company’s website
as of 2:00 pm CET -
http://www.ablynx.com/investorrelations/eventsandpresentations.php
-ends-
About ALX-0141
ALX-0141 is a fully humanized Nanobody® that targets the Receptor Activator
for Nuclear Factor kappa B Ligand (RANKL), a molecule important in bone
metabolism. This natural and necessary surface-bound molecule activates
cells involved in bone resorption. Overproduction of RANKL is implicated in
a variety of degenerative bone diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis and
osteomyelitis. It is currently in preclinical development by Ablynx. Ablynx
aims to develop ALX-0141 for a range of indications including for the
prevention of osteoporosis. Other indications include bone metastases in
cancer and bone erosion associated with RA.
ALX-0141, like denosumab, has a novel mechanism of action that
differentiates it from other anti-resorptive agents as it intervenes in bone
erosion at the level of osteoclast differentiation. ALX-0141 inhibits bone
resorption by targeting and binding to RANKL and thereby preventing RANKL
from binding to receptors on the surface of osteoclasts.
About Ablynx [Euronext Brussels: ABLX] -
http://www.ablynx.com
Founded in 2001 in Ghent, Belgium, Ablynx is a biopharmaceutical company
focused on the discovery and development of Nanobodies®, a novel class of
therapeutic proteins based on single-domain antibody fragments, for a range
of serious and life-threatening human diseases. The Company currently has
over 185 employees. Ablynx completed a successful IPO on Euronext Brussels [ABLX]
on 7 November 2007. Ablynx is developing a portfolio of Nanobody®-based
therapeutic programmes in a number of major disease areas, including
inflammation, thrombosis, oncology and Alzheimer’s disease. Nanobodies® have
been generated against more than 100 different disease targets. Efficacy
data has been obtained in 25 in vivo models for Nanobodies® against a range
of different targets. Its lead programme, ALX-0081, a novel anti-thrombotic
is in a multi-dose Phase 1b study in patients. ALX-0681, also a novel anti-thrombotic,
is in advanced preclinical development.
Ablynx has an extensive patent position in the field of Nanobodies® for
healthcare applications. It has exclusive and worldwide rights to more than
50 families of granted patents and pending patent applications, including
the Hamers patents covering the basic structure, composition, preparation
and uses of Nanobodies®.
Ablynx has ongoing research collaborations and significant partnerships with
some of the major pharmaceutical companies, including Boehringer Ingelheim,
Merck Serono, Novartis and Wyeth Pharmaceuticals. Ablynx is building a
diverse and broad portfolio of therapeutic Nanobodies® through these
collaborations as well as through its own internal discovery programmes. The
Company dedicates 70% of its R&D staff to rapidly build its internal
portfolio of Nanobodies® and has only partnered less than 2% of those
targets accessible to Nanobodies®. Ablynx announced final Phase I data from
its lead programme, an anti-thrombotic (ALX-0081) in December 2007 and
another programme, which is partnered, is in advanced preclinical
development.
Nanobody® is a registered trademark of Ablynx NV.
For more information, please contact:
College Hill Life Sciences – for International media enquiries:
Sue Charles, Justine Lamond, Dr John McIntyre
t: +44 (0)20 7866 7857 / +44 (0)7 919 828 314
f: +44 (0)20 7866 7900
e: ablynx@collegehill.com
Ablynx:
Dr Edwin Moses
Chairman and CEO
t: +32 (0)9 262 00 07
m: +44 (0)7771 954 193 / +32 (0)473 39 50 68
e: edwin.moses@ablynx.com
Eva-Lotta Allan
Chief Business Officer
t: +32 (0)9 262 00 75
m: +32 (0)475 78 36 21 / +44 (0)7990 570 900
e: eva-lotta.allan@ablynx.com
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