SciRhom Begins First Human Trials for Lead Program SR-878

SciRhom GmbH, a biopharmaceutical innovator based in Munich, Germany, announced a significant development on October 17, 2024. The company has initiated the dosing of participants in its inaugural clinical trial for SR-878, its most advanced therapeutic program. This phase 1, double-blind, placebo-controlled, single ascending dose study will evaluate the safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetic, and pharmacodynamic properties of SR-878 in up to 48 healthy volunteers. This research is being conducted in collaboration with the Department of Clinical Pharmacology at the Medical University of Vienna, Austria, with results anticipated in the second half of 2025.

SciRhom's Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Jürgen Reess, emphasized the importance of this clinical trial, highlighting it as a pivotal moment for the company. Dr. Reess expressed confidence in building upon the favorable safety profile observed in preclinical studies and moving swiftly to demonstrate clinical benefits in future Phase 2 trials. Echoing this enthusiasm, Dr. Jan Poth, Managing Director & CEO of SciRhom, noted the enhanced potential this study brings in targeting iRhom2 and modulating pathways controlled by TACE/ADAM17. The collaboration with the Medical University of Vienna's Department of Clinical Pharmacology is seen as a critical factor in setting a solid foundation for future studies.

SciRhom's SR-878 program is designed to introduce a new treatment paradigm for autoimmune diseases and potentially other conditions by blocking multiple pro-inflammatory and disease-driving pathways simultaneously. The selective targeting of iRhom2 is anticipated to offer superior efficacy compared to existing treatments while maintaining the important functions of TACE/ADAM17, contributing to a favorable safety profile.

iRhom2, or inactive Rhomboid 2, plays a crucial role in regulating the TACE-dependent release of pro-inflammatory molecules like TNF-alpha from immune cells. TACE, also known as the TNF-alpha converting enzyme or ADAM17, is integral to several major signaling pathways, including those involving TNF-alpha, IL-6R, and EGFR. While TACE is a recognized target for blocking pro-inflammatory pathways, direct inhibition leads to severe side effects. Targeting iRhom2 offers a promising alternative, enabling the modulation of disease-driving activities of TACE while preserving its other essential functions. Recent research underscores the therapeutic potential of targeting iRhom2 for treating a range of conditions, including autoimmune, oncological, infectious, and metabolic diseases.

SciRhom GmbH leverages its expertise in the TACE/ADAM17 pathway to develop innovative biopharmaceuticals targeting iRhom2. The company's lead antibody program, SR-878, is being advanced through clinical development with the support of international investors such as Andera Partners, Kurma Partners, Hadean Ventures, MIG Capital, Wellington Partners, Bayern Kapital, and current shareholders. The company's mission is to expand the frontier of autoimmune medicine through groundbreaking therapies.