Chemomab Highlights CM-101's Therapeutic Promise in PSC with New Proteomic Data

Recent scientific research has shed light on the critical function of a protein known as CCL24 in the progression of primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC), a rare and severe liver condition. This discovery has significant implications for the development of new treatments, particularly with the introduction of CM-101, a novel monoclonal antibody designed to neutralize CCL24, by Chemomab Therapeutics Ltd.
The study, published in the journal Cells, utilized advanced proteomic analysis to investigate the relationship between CCL24 and PSC. The findings confirmed that CCL24 is closely linked to the disease's mechanisms, particularly in the recruitment of immune cells and the activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs), which are pivotal in the development of fibrosis and inflammation characteristic of PSC. Notably, the research highlighted that CCL24's role in PSC is distinct from that of related proteins, such as CCL11 and CCL26, which do not exhibit the same associations.
CM-101 has demonstrated potential in modifying the disease's course by virtue of its dual anti-inflammatory and anti-fibrotic activities. It has been granted Orphan Drug status for PSC in both the United States and the European Union, and the FDA has awarded it Fast Track designation for the treatment of adult PSC patients. The Phase 2 clinical trial for CM-101 has completed enrollment, with results anticipated in mid-2024, which could mark a significant milestone in the treatment of PSC, a disease for which there are currently no FDA-approved therapies.
PSC is a life-threatening disease that affects an estimated 30,000 individuals in the U.S. and approximately 80,000 globally. It is marked by inflammation and scarring of the bile ducts, which can progress to liver cirrhosis, failure, and even death. Moreover, PSC patients are at an increased risk of various cancers, which are responsible for roughly half of the disease's mortality rate. The majority of PSC patients also suffer from inflammatory bowel disease, although the exact cause of PSC remains a mystery. Liver transplantation is a common treatment for advanced cases, yet PSC can recur in around 20% of transplant recipients, underscoring the urgent need for effective therapeutic interventions.
The innovative approach by Chemomab Therapeutics to target CCL24 with CM-101 represents a promising step forward in addressing the unmet medical needs of PSC patients. The company's focus on fibro-inflammatory diseases and the development of CM-101 reflects its commitment to advancing therapeutic options for conditions with limited treatment availability. As the scientific community and patients alike await the results of the CM-101 Phase 2 trial, the potential impact of this antibody on the management of PSC is a subject of significant interest and hope.