C4X Discovery Reports Immuno-Inflammation Progress and New Board Appointments

C4X Discovery Holdings Limited (C4XD), a prominent drug discovery firm, has provided an update on its business activities following its recent delisting from AIM. Clive Dix, the Executive Chairman, emphasized the company's commitment to advancing its immuno-inflammatory portfolio, leveraging their robust capital position and unique genetic insights platform. The company is actively engaging in scientific conferences and industry events to showcase their expertise and foster future collaborations.

In a strategic shift from public markets, C4XD announced the departure of Simon Harford, who has served for three years. Harford’s contributions were acknowledged with gratitude as he moves on to other endeavors. Concurrently, C4XD welcomed two new Non-Executive Board members: Harmesh Suniara from Lombard Odier 1798 Volantis and Richard Jones, a seasoned finance professional. Their addition is expected to enhance the Board’s strategic direction, steering the company towards a successful future.

C4XD continues to make significant strides in its small molecule drug discovery portfolio, particularly in the immuno-inflammatory domain, where there is a combination of unmet medical needs and substantial commercial potential. Their leading project is an oral a4b7 integrin inhibitor designed for treating inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). This inhibitor targets the same integrin as Vedolizumab (Entyvio), a successful biologic therapy, with the aim of providing a more accessible small-molecule alternative. The company’s scientists are in the final stages of selecting pre-clinical candidates, with plans for IND-enabling studies in progress.

Simultaneously, C4XD’s Human Genetics team is utilizing the PatientSeek platform to analyze various databases. This effort aims to identify a genetic fingerprint as a predictive biomarker for a4b7 response, which will be instrumental in designing effective clinical trials. Recently, they published their first disclosure on the PatientSeek platform related to rheumatoid arthritis, showcasing its potential in target identification.

As C4XD transitions from a Discovery to a Therapeutics company, it is enhancing its internal skill set while maintaining flexibility through collaborations with external consultants, CROs, and CDMOs. The company disclosed two additional programs progressing through the Hit-To-Lead phase towards Lead Optimization. One program is an oral PAD4 inhibitor aimed at treating rheumatoid arthritis (RA). PAD4 is an enzyme that modifies proteins through citrullination, a process linked to increased immunogenicity and arthritis severity. Targeting this process holds potential for treating moderate to severe RA with a First-In-Class drug.

Another promising program is an oral TNFa inhibitor, targeting a Best-In-Class profile with potential applications in RA and IBD. TNF, a cytokine critical for immune system regulation, is involved in various autoimmune and inflammatory diseases. Current biologic therapies targeting TNF have limitations, including side effects and diminishing effectiveness over time. A small molecule alternative could address these issues, offering a more effective therapeutic option.

C4XD is also evaluating several early-stage programs to assess their viability for further development.

Regarding the Board, C4XD acknowledged Simon Harford’s departure and welcomed Richard Jones and Harmesh Suniara. Richard Jones brings a wealth of experience from his roles in healthcare and life sciences sectors, particularly in financial operations and strategic mergers. Harmesh Suniara, with a background in investment management and a focus on the technology and life sciences sectors, adds significant expertise to the Board. Both appointments are expected to guide C4XD in its strategic endeavors and enhance its market position.

Overall, C4X Discovery Holdings Limited continues to advance its innovative drug discovery programs and strengthen its Board, positioning itself for future growth and success in the immuno-inflammatory therapeutic space.