Targeted, precision-tuned agonist of IL-2 receptor selectively expands regulatory T cells
SEATTLE, Dec. 12, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Neoleukin Therapeutics, Inc., “Neoleukin” (NASDAQ:NLTX), a biopharmaceutical company utilizing sophisticated computational methods to design
de novo
protein therapeutics, today presented data on NEO-TRA1, a precision-tuned agonist of the IL-2 receptor beta and gamma subunits that is targeted to and selectively expands inhibitory T-regulatory cells. The data are being disclosed today as an oral presentation at the American Society of Hematology (ASH) Annual Meeting.
The presentation highlights two important features of Neoleukin’s
de novo
protein technology: 1) the ability to target
de novo
cytokine mimetics to specific cell types, i.e. T-regulatory cells; and 2) precision-tuned
de novo
payloads that have minimal effects on non-targeted cells. By separating the targeting domain from the cytokine receptor agonist, Neoleukin scientists have created a potentially modular system for the cis-targeting of
de novo
proteins to specific immune cell subsets.
In preclinical models, potent and selective expansion of Treg cells was demonstrated
in vitro
in human cells from healthy donors and from patients with systemic lupus erythematosus as well as
in vivo
in humanized mouse models.
“We believe NEO-TRA1 represents a potentially best-in-class Treg agonist, using
de novo
protein design to improve selectivity, widen the therapeutic window, and extend the half-life compared to low-dose IL-2 and other competitors in this space,” said Bill Arthur, Ph.D., Vice President and Head of Research at Neoleukin Therapeutics. “Our studies support the specificity and selectivity of NEO-TRA1, demonstrating its potential as a therapeutic candidate for the treatment of autoimmune and inflammatory conditions.”
“Given our focus on developing the next generation of
de novo
cytokine mimetics for oncology, we are seeking a partner with expertise in autoimmune drug development to advance NEO-TRA1 into clinical trials,” said Jonathan G. Drachman, MD, CEO of Neoleukin. “We believe this is an example of how
de novo
protein technology can improve the specificity of targeted cytokine mimetics.”
The presentation is available on the publications page of Neoleukin website at:
https://www.neoleukin.com/science/#pubs
About Neoleukin Therapeutics, Inc.
Neoleukin is a biopharmaceutical company creating next generation immunotherapies for cancer, inflammation and autoimmunity using
de novo
protein design technology. Neoleukin uses sophisticated computational methods to design proteins that demonstrate specific pharmaceutical properties that provide potentially superior therapeutic benefit over native proteins. For more information, please visit the Neoleukin website: www.neoleukin.com.
Contact:
Media
Julie Rathbun
206-769-9219
[email protected]
