#Belgium #Autoimmune Diseases #AbolerIS Pharma #ABO21009 #Gosselies

AbolerIS Pharma's New Antibody: A Potential Game Changer in Autoimmune Treatment

AbolerIS Pharma, a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company based in Gosselies, Belgium, and Nantes, France, has made significant strides in addressing the challenges posed by autoimmune diseases. In a recent publication in the prestigious journal Molecular Therapy, the company detailed preclinical results from studies investigating ABO21009, a novel anti-CD45RC antibody currently advancing through Phase 1 clinical trials.

What is ABO21009?

ABO21009 is a humanized monoclonal antibody targeting CD45RC, a specific protein found on the surface of immune cells. This novel approach aims to selectively eliminate pathogenic T and B cells involved in autoimmune responses while preserving beneficial regulatory T cells. By focusing on CD45RC, AbolerIS hopes to provide a more effective treatment option with fewer side effects than traditional immunotherapies, which often broadly suppress the immune system.

Key Findings from the Research

The research conducted collaboratively with Nantes Université, INSERM, and the Center for Research in Transplantation and Translational Immunology highlighted several promising aspects of ABO21009:

1. Selective Immune Modulation: ABO21009 has demonstrated the ability to selectively induce apoptosis, a form of programmed cell death, as well as antibody-dependent cellular phagocytosis (ADCP) in CD45RChigh T and B cells. Importantly, it does this without triggering cytokine release or affecting T regulatory and memory cells, a crucial advancement for patient safety.

2. Innovative Mechanism of Action: The antibody operates through a dual mechanism—direct apoptosis and macrophage-mediated phagocytosis—deviating from conventional therapies that may induce antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC). This unique approach minimizes the risk of cytokine release syndrome, which is often a severe side effect of other treatments.

3. In Vivo Efficacy: In humanized mouse models of acute graft-versus-host disease (aGvHD), ABO21009 effectively reduced the levels of pathogenic immune cells in a dose-dependent manner while preventing disease progression. This proof-of-concept provides critical insights into its potential benefits in real-world applications.

4. Favorable Safety Profile: Utilizing single-cell transcriptomics, the study confirmed that ABO21009 spares beneficial immune cell subsets, thereby significantly minimizing adverse inflammatory responses, which indicates a strong potential for long-lasting disease control.

Implications for Patients

Current immunotherapies tend to suppress the immune system broadly, which can lead to increased risks of infections and toxicity. In contrast, ABO21009 offers a precision approach that aims to deplete only harmful immune cells while maintaining the body's overall immune balance. This innovative method could potentially yield higher rates of durable remission in patients with autoimmune disorders, including rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, and beyond.

Dr. Ann Meulemans, CEO of AbolerIS, expressed enthusiasm regarding these findings. “Our preclinical data positions ABO21009 as a transformational first-in-class candidate that could redefine treatment for autoimmune and inflammatory diseases,” she stated. This promising research paves the way for a new era in immunotherapy tailored to meet the complexities of autoimmune diseases.

Current Development Status

In March 2025, AbolerIS began dosing healthy volunteers as part of an authorized Clinical Trial Application (CTA) for the Phase 1 study of ABO21009. Following encouraging results regarding safety and pharmacokinetics during the healthy volunteer segment, the company is now set to commence dosing for patients presenting with rheumatoid arthritis. If successful, they plan to extend development efforts into a broader array of autoimmune conditions.

Conclusion

AbolerIS Pharma's commitment to improving lives through innovative therapies is evident in their pioneering work with ABO21009. The recent publication and preclinical findings signify notable progress in addressing the unmet needs of patients suffering from autoimmune diseases. As research advances, ABO21009 stands poised to offer a more effective and safer alternative to current therapeutic options. For more detailed insights into their work, visit www.aboleris-pharma.com for further updates.

Contact Information: For more inquiries, reach out to Dr. Ann Meulemans, CEO of AbolerIS, at +32479900357 or via email at [email protected].