Pipeline
Our pipeline is currently focused on the following chronic conditions, neither of which have approved therapies:
- Atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, inflammation, and cardiometabolic dysfunction in patients with psoriasis
- Calcific aortic valve stenosis (AVS) in patients at risk from lipoprotein(a)
Orticumab
We are developing orticumab, the first therapy intended to treat atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, inflammation, and cardiometabolic dysfunction in patients with psoriasis. Psoriasis is associated with increased risk of cardiometabolic disorders and aggressive coronary artery disease. This risk, for which there are no approved therapies, is related to chronic inflammation.
Recent clinical data demonstrates that immunomodulating therapies for psoriasis can reduce vascular inflammation and prevent accelerated development of coronary atherosclerosis also in patients with psoriasis1. Orticumab targets a specific inflammation pathway associated with oxidized low-density lipoprotein (oxLDL), an inflammation mediator with a well-known role in cardiovascular disease pathogenesis. Our theory is that blocking inflammation from oxLDL will result in a clinically meaningful cardiovascular benefit in patients with psoriasis who also have significant cardiometabolic risk factors.
1 M. Aksentijevich,etal. Trends in Cardiovascular Medicine 2019
Orticumab is a first-in-class investigational drug with a novel mechanism of action. A phase 2 proof-of-activity trial in patients with psoriasis is slated to begin in the second half of 2020.
Additionally, preclinical investigations exploring orticumab’s utility in targeting lipoprotein(a)-induced inflammation are ongoing, with a view to further supporting our therapeutic approach in patients with calcific aortic valve stenosis driven by lipoprotein(a).
Lipoprotein(a) is a genetically determined, causal risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Certain patients with this risk factor have markedly higher rates of calcific aortic valve stenosis (AVS), a life-threatening condition that can require surgery. There are currently no approved therapies for patients with AVS from lipoprotein(a). Our theory is that blocking inflammation from lipoprotein(a) could prevent damage to the aortic valve tissue and delay or prevent the need for surgery.
Pipeline Candidates
We are developing a pipeline of next-generation antibodies and biologics that will build upon the data generated with orticumab.
Additionally, we are exploring uses for our preclinical candidates in other chronic inflammatory disorders that are associated with cardiometabolic comorbidities, including rheumatoid arthritis and cancers.
Preclinical
Phase 1
Phase 2
Phase 3
Orticumab
Atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, inflammation, and cardiometabolic dysfunction in patients with psoriasis.
Lipoprotein(a) induced calcific aortic valve stenosis (AVS)
Pipeline Candidates
Next-generation antibodies
Orticumab
Psoriasis | Phase 2
Atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, inflammation, and cardiometabolic dysfunction in patients with psoriasis
AVS/Lp(a) | Preclinical
Lipoprotein(a) induced calcific aortic valve stenosis (AVS)
Pipeline Candidates
Undisclosed | Preclinical
Next-generation antibodies
