Xencor Shares Preclinical Data on XmAb942, Long-Lasting Anti-TL1A Antibody for Inflammatory Bowel Diseases

In Pasadena, California, Xencor, Inc., a biopharmaceutical company listed on NASDAQ under the ticker XNCR, has announced significant advancements in its research efforts. The company, known for developing engineered antibodies aimed at treating cancer and other severe diseases, recently unveiled preclinical data for its latest investigational antibody, XmAb942. This data is scheduled to be presented at the United European Gastroenterology (UEG) Week in Vienna, Austria on October 15, 2024.

XmAb942 is designed as a high-potency, long-lasting anti-TL1A antibody intended for use in patients suffering from inflammatory bowel diseases, including ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn's disease (CD). The previous generation of anti-TL1A antibodies has shown effectiveness in reducing disease symptoms in patients with UC and CD by blocking the interaction between the DR3 receptor and its ligand TL1A. Building on these findings, Xencor plans to begin dosing the first healthy volunteer in a phase 1 clinical trial of XmAb942 in the last quarter of 2024, with initial data from this single-ascending dose study expected in the first half of 2025.

John Desjarlais, Ph.D., Xencor's executive vice president and chief scientific officer, emphasized the potential of XmAb942 to surpass its predecessors. He highlighted that the new antibody aims to deliver superior potency and require less frequent dosing compared to first-generation anti-TL1A antibodies. Preclinical studies indicate that XmAb942's in vitro potency is on par with or exceeds that of earlier anti-TL1A antibodies. Additionally, XmAb942 has demonstrated enhanced pharmacokinetics, showing a half-life of 23 days in non-human primates. This extended half-life suggests that an eight- to twelve-week dosing regimen could be possible for human patients, potentially improving both convenience and adherence to the treatment within the TL1A category.

Xencor's research poster, titled “Discovery and Characterization of a Novel High-Affinity Anti-TL1A Monoclonal Antibody with Extended Half-life for the Treatment of Inflammatory Bowel Disease,” will be accessible on the company's website under the "Publications" and "Events & Presentations" sections.

Xencor is recognized for its innovative XmAb® technology, which allows for small structural changes to proteins, resulting in new therapeutic actions. Currently, over 20 candidates engineered with XmAb® technology are undergoing clinical trials, and multiple XmAb medicines are available on the market through partnerships. The company continues to advance its pipeline of engineered antibodies, aiming to offer new treatments for cancer and other severe diseases.