Hesperos Supports Phase II Trial with Human-on-a-Chip®

Hesperos, a prominent entity in the field of drug discovery, has announced that its innovative Human-on-a-Chip® technology has contributed to a client's Investigational New Drug (IND) submission to the Food & Drug Administration (FDA). This development is in relation to a Phase II clinical trial for DNTH103, an investigational product by Dianthus Therapeutics, Inc., aimed at treating generalized myasthenia gravis (gMG). This milestone underscores the significance of in vitro proof-of-concept data in advancing new medical treatments.

Dianthus Therapeutics is currently in the midst of a Phase II clinical trial for DNTH103, a highly potent monoclonal antibody designed to selectively target the classical pathway of the complement system. This treatment is intended for patients suffering from generalized myasthenia gravis, a chronic autoimmune disorder characterized by the production of antibodies that disrupt the transmission of nerve signals to muscles, resulting in muscle weakness.

Hesperos has developed a proprietary neuromuscular junction (NMJ) model that connects human cell compartments with devices capable of monitoring muscle contraction and electrical activity in real-time. This model provides functional readouts that are physiologically relevant. In preclinical studies utilizing this NMJ model, researchers at Hesperos demonstrated that DNTH103 could improve nerve cell transmission and reduce muscle fatigue when exposed to serum from gMG patients.

Dianthus Therapeutics presented these encouraging findings at notable events, including the American Academy of Neurology (AAN) Annual Meeting held from April 13-18, 2024, in Denver, Colorado, and virtually. Additionally, these results were also shared at the 10th Congress of the European Academy of Neurology (EAN) in Helsinki, which took place from June 29 to July 2, 2024. Detailed information about these presentations is available in the Scientific Publications section on the Dianthus Therapeutics website.

Lawrence Florin, CEO of Hesperos, Inc., expressed his satisfaction with the role their Human-on-a-Chip® model played in validating the potential of DNTH103 as a treatment for gMG. He emphasized that this technology supported Dianthus' FDA submission for the Phase II clinical trial, highlighting its importance in the drug development process.

Hesperos, Inc. is a global contract research organization (CRO) that specializes in preclinical drug development services through its innovative Human-on-a-Chip® platform. This platform replicates critical aspects of human biology, providing valuable insights that traditional animal testing methods often fail to deliver. By doing so, the platform helps product development teams predict therapeutic profiles more accurately, reduce costs, and accelerate development timelines.

In essence, the collaboration between Hesperos and Dianthus Therapeutics exemplifies the potential of advanced in vitro models in drug discovery and development. The successful application of Hesperos' Human-on-a-Chip® technology in the ongoing clinical trials of DNTH103 for gMG could pave the way for more efficient and effective treatments for this debilitating autoimmune disorder. As Hesperos continues to enhance its preclinical drug development capabilities, it remains at the forefront of transforming the landscape of medical research and therapeutic innovation.