European Patent Granted for Chemomab's CM-101 Monoclonal Antibody in Phase 2 PSC Development

Chemomab Therapeutics, a biotech firm at the forefront of developing treatments for rare fibro-inflammatory diseases, has received a significant boost with the European Patent Office's approval of a new patent for CM-101. This first-of-its-kind monoclonal antibody is designed to neutralize CCL24, a protein that plays a pivotal role in fibrosis and inflammation processes. The drug is currently under investigation in the Phase 2 SPRING trial, targeting primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC), a severe liver condition that lacks FDA-approved treatments and often necessitates liver transplants.

The European patent expands on the protection for CM-101, covering its use in treating liver diseases, notably PSC. Unlike other drugs, CM-101's dual-action mechanism combats both fibrosis and inflammation, a strategy that has demonstrated efficacy in clinical and preclinical studies by inhibiting fibrogenesis and interfering with core PSC pathways.

Adi Mor, Chemomab's CEO and CSO, highlighted the significance of the new patent, emphasizing its role in bolstering intellectual property rights in key European markets. This development comes at a crucial time for the company as it anticipates the midyear release of Phase 2 PSC trial data, which could validate CM-101's therapeutic potential and serve as a significant milestone for Chemomab.

The patent, numbered 18717135.0 and titled "Anti CCL24 (eotaxin2) Antibodies for Use in the Treatment of Hepatic Diseases," was granted on March 20, 2024. It complements existing patents related to CM-101, extending protection for the drug across various indications until 2038, with potential for a five-year extension upon market approval. CM-101 has also received Orphan Drug designation in the U.S. and E.U., and the FDA has granted it Fast Track designation for treating PSC in adults.

Chemomab's CM-101 is a monoclonal antibody that neutralizes CCL24, a protein implicated in inflammatory and fibrotic pathways linked to fibro-inflammatory diseases. Extensive studies have validated CCL24 as a therapeutic target, and CM-101 has shown promising results in animal and patient studies, demonstrating safety and tolerability in Phase 1 and 2 clinical trials. Notably, Phase 2a data from a liver fibrosis trial in nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) patients showed improvements in key biomarkers, suggesting potential benefits for PSC.

Chemomab Therapeutics is a clinical-stage company focused on developing innovative treatments for fibro-inflammatory diseases with significant unmet needs. The company's development of CM-101, which neutralizes CCL24, is based on the protein's critical role in promoting fibrosis and inflammation. Clinical and preclinical studies indicate that CM-101 is safe and has the potential to treat a range of severe fibro-inflammatory diseases. Positive results from three clinical trials, including a Phase 2a trial in NASH patients and a study in patients with severe lung injury, underscore the drug's potential. With patient enrollment completed in a Phase 2 PSC trial and a Phase 2 trial for systemic sclerosis readiness, Chemomab continues to advance its mission to address significant medical needs.