Veloxis Pharmaceuticals to Present at 2024 American Transplant Congress

Veloxis Pharmaceuticals, Inc., a specialty pharmaceutical company headquartered in Cary, North Carolina, has announced the presentation of its research on VEL-101 at the upcoming 2024 American Transplant Congress (ATC). VEL-101, also known as FR104, is an innovative investigational immunosuppressive drug aimed at preventing acute rejection in kidney transplant recipients. The ATC event, taking place in Philadelphia from June 1-5, is a collaborative annual meeting of the American Society of Transplant Surgeons and the American Society of Transplantation.

An abstract titled "Safety, Pharmacokinetics, and Pharmacodynamics of Fixed-Dose, Subcutaneous (SQ) Administration of VEL-101, an Anti-CD28 Pegylated Monoclonal Antibody Fragment, in Healthy Participants" is scheduled for presentation on June 4. The presentation, which falls under the rapid fire oral abstract category, includes a seven-minute summary followed by a three-minute Q&A session. Dr. Simon Tremblay, Veloxis' Senior Director of Clinical Development and Clinical Development Lead for VEL-101, will present the data from a Phase 1 dose escalation study that evaluated the safety and pharmacokinetics of VEL-101 in healthy participants through both intravenous and subcutaneous administration.

Dr. Tunde Otulana, Chief Medical Officer at Veloxis, expressed satisfaction in showcasing the potential for fixed-dose, subcutaneous administration of VEL-101. This approach is expected to simplify dose selection as the company prepares for Phase 2 studies involving kidney transplant recipients. Veloxis takes pride in advancing patient-focused transplant science.

Additionally, two other abstracts related to VEL-101, supported by OSE Immunotherapeutics, were accepted for rapid fire oral presentations. One abstract titled "First Use of FR104 an Anti-CD28 Molecule in Human Kidney Transplantation, Interim Analysis" pertains to a Phase 1/2 clinical trial on kidney transplant recipients and will be presented by Professor Gilles Blancho from the University Hospital in Nantes. The other, "Combined Blockade of the CD154 and CD28 Co-Stimulation Pathways Attenuates Pathogenic Alloimmunity and Prolongs Survival in Cynomolgus Cardiac Allografts," will be presented by Dr. Kohei Kinoshita from Massachusetts General Hospital.

Mark Hensley, Chief Executive Officer at Veloxis, expressed enthusiasm about the selection of VEL-101 research for presentation at the ATC. He emphasized that the acceptance of these abstracts signifies strong interest in novel therapies for transplant patients and highlights the potential impact of VEL-101 if it gains approval. Hensley views this milestone as significant for Veloxis as the company seeks to expand its influence within the global transplant community.

The ATC event is a crucial platform for transplant professionals, offering opportunities to share new scientific and clinical advancements related to organ and tissue transplantation. Each year, the Congress selects over 1,500 top research abstracts from various authors for presentation, recognizing the most innovative and groundbreaking research efforts in transplantation. Veloxis is honored to be acknowledged among this elite group.

VEL-101 is a pegylated monoclonal antibody fragment designed to inhibit CD28-mediated effector-T cell costimulation while allowing CTLA-4 mediated immunosuppressive functions. This dual mechanism of action aims to prevent acute rejection in kidney transplant recipients and potentially other solid organ transplant recipients.

Veloxis Pharmaceuticals, a subsidiary of Asahi Kasei, is dedicated to enhancing the lives of transplant patients by developing and commercializing essential medications. The company operates globally with a focus on transplant-related treatments and serious associated illnesses.

OSE Immunotherapeutics, based in Nantes and Paris, is an integrated biotechnology company specializing in immunotherapy for oncology and inflammation. Asahi Kasei, the parent company of Veloxis, is a global entity that contributes to various sectors, including health care, with over 48,000 employees worldwide.