Equillium, Inc.

UCB and Biogen reported encouraging topline findings from the Phase III PHOENYCS GO trial, which assessed dapirolizumab pegol, a novel Fc-free anti-CD40L drug candidate, in individuals with moderate-to-severe SLE. The promising outcomes with dapirolizumab pegol signify significant advancements in creating treatments that can enhance the quality of life for individuals with lupus, a condition that continues to have considerable unmet medical needs, particularly impacting women. LAS VEGAS, Oct. 7, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Systemic lupus erythematosus is a long-lasting autoimmune disorder that can impact various areas of the body. Lupus arises when the immune system, typically responsible for defending against infections and illnesses, mistakenly targets the body's own tissues. This misguided response leads to inflammation and, in some instances, lasting damage to tissues, potentially affecting a wide range of organs including the skin, joints, heart, lungs, kidneys, blood cells, and brain. As per the estimates, the prevalence of systemic lupus erythematosus in the United States is approximately 500K cases in 2023. In females, prevalence rates are observed to be much greater than that of males, constituting more than 90% of the total prevalent cases in the US. In 2023, among the treated SLE patients, nearly 40% of patients became relapsed or refractory after the first line of therapy. The main goals of SLE treatment are to alleviate symptoms, prevent or reduce organ damage and disease flare-ups, minimize drug toxicity, and improve the patient's overall quality of life. The SLE treatment plan primarily includes antimalarial medications (like hydroxychloroquine), glucocorticoids (such as prednisone or similar), immunosuppressive drugs (including methotrexate, azathioprine, or mycophenolate), and biologics, in addition to nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) for managing inflammation and pain. Biologics are specifically used for patients who do not respond to standard treatments or for those with severe, organ-threatening diseases. Currently, the biologics approved by the US FDA as adjunct therapies for SLE patients are BENLYSTA and SAPHNELO. In contrast, the use of rituximab for treating SLE is considered off-label. Learn more about the FDA-approved SLE drugs @ Drugs for Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Treatment BENLYSTA (belimumab) is a fully human monoclonal antibody that targets and inhibits BLyS (B-lymphocyte stimulator), a protein found at elevated levels in patients with systemic autoimmune diseases such as systemic lupus erythematosus and lupus nephritis. By binding to soluble BLyS, BENLYSTA prevents the prolonged survival of B cells, including autoreactive B cells, and reduces their differentiation into plasma cells that produce immunoglobulins. However, BENLYSTA does not directly bind to B cells. First approved by the US FDA in 2011, it is the only biologic therapy approved for the treatment of active SLE and LN in more than 50 years, including for pediatric patients. SAPHNELO (anifrolumab) is a fully human monoclonal antibody and the first of its kind, targeting subunit 1 of the type I interferon (IFN) receptor to inhibit type I IFN activity. Type I IFNs, including IFN-alpha, IFN-beta, and IFN-kappa, are cytokines that play a role in the inflammatory pathways associated with systemic lupus erythematosus. Most adults with SLE exhibit increased type I IFN signaling, which correlates with greater disease activity and severity. SAPHNELO has been approved for the treatment of SLE in over 60 countries, including the US, EU, and Japan, with ongoing reviews in additional regions. To know more about SLE treatment options, visit @ New Treatment for Systemic Lupus Erythematosus SLE pipeline possesses some drugs in mid and late-stage developments to be approved in the near future. The emerging landscape holds a diverse range of therapeutic alternatives for treatment, including Litifilimab (Biogen), Ianalumab (Novartis), Cenerimod (Idorsia/Viatris), Dapirolizumab pegol (UCB/Biogen), Telitacicept (RC18) (RemeGen), and others in different lines of treatment. The expected launch of these therapies shall further create a positive impact on the market. Discover which therapies are expected to grab major SLE market share @ Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Market Report Dapirolizumab pegol is a novel investigational treatment, consisting of a humanized, Fc-free antigen-binding (Fab') fragment conjugated with polyethylene glycol (PEG). It works by inhibiting CD40L signaling, which has been shown to reduce B cell activation, decrease autoantibody production, limit type 1 interferon (IFN) secretion, and suppress the activation of T cells and antigen-presenting cells (APCs). In September 2024, UCB and Biogen announced that the Phase III PHOENYCS GO trial achieved its primary goal, showing clinical improvements in patients with moderate-to-severe systemic lupus erythematosus. Additionally, key secondary endpoints, assessing disease activity and flare-ups, also demonstrated clinical improvements. Following the positive results from the PHOENYCS GO study, UCB and Biogen are launching a second Phase 3 trial of dapirolizumab pegol in 2024, named PHOENYCS FLY. Participants from the PHOENYCS GO study will continue to be monitored in a long-term open-label extension. Biogen is working on developing Litifilimab (BIIB059), an experimental humanized monoclonal antibody. This antibody specifically targets and binds to blood dendritic cell antigen 2 (BDCA2), a receptor found on plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDCs). When BDCA2 is engaged, it inhibits the production of type I interferons (IFN-I) and other inflammatory molecules. BDCA2 is exclusively expressed on the surface of human pDCs. Litifilimab acts as an inhibitor of B-cell lymphocyte stimulator. Currently, Biogen is conducting Phase III clinical trials to evaluate its use for treating SLE. Ianalumab, developed by Novartis, is an antibody aimed at the B-cell activating factor receptor (BAFF-R). It is designed to inhibit BAFF-R signaling and deplete B cells through antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity. The drug is currently undergoing a Phase III clinical trial for systemic lupus erythematosus, with the company expecting to submit it for approval by 2027, according to a recent presentation. Cenerimod is an oral, once-daily tablet that acts as a highly selective modulator of the sphingosine-1-phosphate receptor 1 (S1P1). Although the exact cause of systemic lupus erythematosus is not fully understood, T and B lymphocytes are believed to be the primary immune cells involved in the disease's progression. These cells express the S1P1 receptor on their surface. In February 2024, Idorsia Pharmaceuticals formed a major global research and development partnership with Viatris to advance and commercialize two Phase III assets, selatogrel and cenerimod, on a global scale. Discover more about drugs for SLE in development @ Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Clinical Trials The anticipated launch of these emerging therapies for SLE are poised to transform the market landscape in the coming years. As these cutting-edge therapies continue to mature and gain regulatory approval, they are expected to reshape the SLE market landscape, offering new standards of care and unlocking opportunities for medical innovation and economic growth. DelveInsight estimates that the market size for SLE is expected to grow from USD 3.2 billion in 2023 with a significant CAGR by 2034. This growth is mainly driven by ongoing clinical research and better diagnostic tools that might improve the prognosis of the disease. DelveInsight's latest published market report titled as Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Market Insight, Epidemiology, and Market Forecast – 2034 will help you to discover which market leader is going to capture the largest market share. The report provides comprehensive insights into the SLE country-specific treatment guidelines, patient pool analysis, and epidemiology forecast to help understand the key opportunities and assess the market's underlying potential. The SLE market report proffers epidemiological analysis for the study period 2020–2034 in the 7MM segmented into: Total SLE Diagnosed Prevalent Cases Total SLE Diagnosed Prevalent Cases by Gender Total SLE Diagnosed Prevalent Cases by Age SLE Severity-Based Diagnosed Prevalent Cases Total SLE Treated Cases The report provides an edge while developing business strategies by understanding trends shaping and driving the 7MM SLE market. Highlights include: 11-year Forecast 7MM Analysis Epidemiology-based Market Forecasting Historical and Forecasted Market Analysis upto 2034 Emerging Drug Market Uptake Peak Sales Analysis Key Cross Competition Analysis Industry Expert's Opinion Access and Reimbursement Download this SLE market report to assess the epidemiology forecasts, understand the patient journeys, know KOLs' opinions about the upcoming treatment paradigms, and determine the factors contributing to the shift in the SLE market. Also, stay abreast of the mitigating factors to improve your market position in the SLE therapeutic space. Related Reports Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Pipeline Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Pipeline Insight – 2024 report provides comprehensive insights about the pipeline landscape, pipeline drug profiles, including clinical and non-clinical stage products, and the key myasthenia gravis companies, including Yake Biotechnology, UCB, Sorrento Therapeutics, SinoMab Bioscience Ltd, Shanghai Junshi Biosciences, Sareum, Sanofi, Roche, Rheos Medicine, Resolve, Provention Bio, Pfizer, Novartis, Neovacs, Merck, Medsenic, Landos Biopharma, Kezar Life Sciences, Kangpu Biopharmaceuticals, Janssen Research & Development, Janssen, InnoCare, ImmuPharma, I-MAB Biopharma, ILTOO, Idorsia Pharmaceuticals, Horizon Therapeutics, Genovax, Exinda Thearapeutics, Equillium, Eli Lilly and Company, Eisai, Daiichi Sankyo Company, Corestem, Corbus Pharmaceuticals, Citryll BV, Chipscreen Biosciences, Carna Bioscience, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Brickell Biotech, Boston Pharmaceuticals, Biogen, Athos Therapeutics, Asahi Kasei Pharma, Aria Pharmaceuticals, Antengene Therapeutics, Amgen, Alpine Immune Sciences, Akeso Biopharma, AbbVie, among others. Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Epidemiology Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Epidemiology Forecast – 2032 report delivers an in-depth understanding of the disease, historical, and forecasted SLE epidemiology in the 7MM. Lupus Nephritis Market Lupus Nephritis Market Insights, Epidemiology, and Market Forecast – 2034 report delivers an in-depth understanding of the disease, historical and forecasted epidemiology, as well as the market trends, market drivers, market barriers, and key lupus nephritis companies, including NOVARTIS, MORPHOSYS, ASTRAZENECA, ROCHE, KEZAR LIFE SCIENCES, ALEXION PHARMACEUTICALS, NOVARTIS, CABALETTA BIO, among others. Lupus Nephritis Pipeline Lupus Nephritis Pipeline Insight – 2024 report provides comprehensive insights about the pipeline landscape, pipeline drug profiles, including clinical and non-clinical stage products, and the key lupus nephritis companies, including Inflection Biosciences, Equillium, Roche, Horizon Therapeutics, BeiGene, Janssen Research & Development, ImmPACT Bio, among others. About DelveInsight DelveInsight is a leading Business Consultant and Market Research firm focused exclusively on life sciences. It supports pharma companies by providing comprehensive end-to-end solutions to improve their performance. Get hassle-free access to all the healthcare and pharma market research reports through our subscription-based platform PharmDelve . 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Combination of IL-15 and IL-21 robustly augments NK and CD8 T cell activity LA JOLLA, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- $EQ -- Equillium Inc. (Nasdaq: EQ), a clinical-stage biotechnology company leveraging a deep understanding of immunobiology to develop novel therapeutics to treat severe autoimmune and inflammatory disorders, today announced that an abstract was accepted for poster presentation at the 39 th Annual Meeting of the Society for Immunotherapy of Cancer. The conference will take place at the George R. Brown Convention Center in Houston, Texas from November 6 to 10, 2024. Title: Interleukin (IL)-15 and IL-21 synergistically enhance NK and CD8+ T cell responses Presenting Author: Phoi Tiet, Senior Research Associate, Equillium, Inc. Abstract Number: 908 Location: Exhibit Halls A & B Date: Saturday, November 9, 2024 The abstract highlights that cytokines are a focus of anti-cancer therapeutic development due to their central role in regulating anti-tumoral immune responses, and that data demonstrates that IL-15 and IL-21 synergistically augment NK and CD8 T cells activities, which further enhanced their proliferation and cytolytic function. With the ability to rescue T cell dysfunction, this cytokine combination could be a promising treatment approach to stimulating anti-tumor immune responses. About Multi-Cytokine Platform and Multi-Cytokine Inhibitors EQ101 & EQ302 Our proprietary multi-cytokine platform generates rationally designed composite peptides that selectively block key cytokines at the shared receptor level targeting pathogenic cytokine redundancies and synergies while preserving non-pathogenic signaling. This approach is expected to avoid the broad immuno-suppression and off-target safety liabilities that may be associated with other therapeutic classes, such as Janus kinase inhibitors. Many immune-mediated diseases are driven by the same combination of dysregulated cytokines, and we believe identifying the key cytokines for these diseases will allow us to target and develop customized treatment strategies for multiple autoimmune and inflammatory diseases. Current platform assets include EQ101, a clinical stage, first-in-class, selective, tri-specific inhibitor of IL-2, IL-9, and IL-15 for intravenous and subcutaneous delivery and EQ302, a preclinical stage, first-in-class, selective, bi-specific inhibitor of IL-15 and IL-21 for oral delivery. About Equillium Equillium is a clinical-stage biotechnology company leveraging a deep understanding of immunobiology to develop novel therapeutics to treat severe autoimmune and inflammatory disorders with high unmet medical need. The company’s pipeline consists of the following novel first-in-class immunomodulatory assets and product platform targeting immuno-inflammatory pathways. EQ101: a selective tri-specific cytokine inhibitor targeting IL-2, IL-9, and IL-15; recently announced positive results from a Phase 2 proof-of-concept clinical study of patients with alopecia areata. EQ302: an orally delivered, selective bi-specific cytokine inhibitor targeting IL-15 and IL-21; currently in pre-clinical development. The multi-cytokine platform: generates rationally designed composite peptides that selectively block key cytokines at the shared receptor level targeting pathogenic cytokine redundancies and synergies while preserving non-pathogenic signaling. Itolizumab: a monoclonal antibody that targets the CD6-ALCAM signaling pathway which plays a central role in the modulation of effector T cells; currently under evaluation in a Phase 3 clinical study of patients with acute graft-versus-host disease (aGVHD) and exhibited positive results in a completed Phase 1b clinical study of patients with lupus/lupus nephritis in April 2024. Equillium acquired rights to itolizumab through an exclusive partnership with Biocon Limited and has entered a strategic partnership with Ono Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., for the development and commercialization of itolizumab under an option and asset purchase agreement. For more information, visit . Forward Looking Statements Statements contained in this press release regarding matters that are not historical facts are “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements may be identified by the use of words such as “anticipate”, “believe”, “could”, “continue”, “expect”, “estimate”, “may”, “plan”, “outlook”, “future” and “project” and other similar expressions that predict or indicate future events or trends or that are not statements of historical matters. Because such statements are subject to risks and uncertainties, many of which are outside of Equillium’s control, actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Risks that contribute to the uncertain nature of the forward-looking statements include: Equillium’s ability to execute its plans and strategies; risks related to performing clinical studies; whether the results from clinical studies will validate and support the safety and efficacy of Equillium’s product candidates. These and other risks and uncertainties are described more fully under the caption “Risk Factors” and elsewhere in Equillium’s filings and reports, which may be accessed for free by visiting the Securities and Exchange Commission’s website at and on Equillium’s website under the heading “Investors.” Investors should take such risks into account and should not rely on forward-looking statements when making investment decisions. All forward-looking statements contained in this press release speak only as of the date on which they were made. Equillium undertakes no obligation to update such statements to reflect events that occur or circumstances that exist after the date on which they were made, except as required by law. Contacts Investor Contact Michael Moore Vice President, Investor Relations & Corporate Communications 619-302-4431 ir@equilliumbio.com

An oral EQ302 formulation could offer a convenient, bioavailable therapy for patients with inflammatory and autoimmune diseases. Image: Shutterstock/ Busra Ispir. Massachusetts-based biotech Vivtex and Swiss company Equillium have agreed on a research and licensing deal to use Vivtex’s AI-enabled screening platform to optimise the bioavailability of Equillium’s autoimmune therapy, EQ302. The partnership, announced yesterday (16 September), supports EQ302 development as Equillium looks to initiate a Phase I trial in the latter half of 2025. Though the financial specifics of the deal have not been made public, Equillium will have the option to enter into a licensing agreement within which Vivtex could be eligible for royalties and other payments. EQ302 is a peptide which targets interleukins (IL)-15 and IL-21, cytokines active in the pathology of several inflammatory conditions. To maximise bioavailability, Equillium will employ Vivtex’s GI-ORIS (gastrointestinal organic robotic interface system) platform, an AI-enabled technology which uses porcine GI tissue for high-throughput screening. It is the derivate of a previously promising precursor, EQ102, which was in a Phase I trial for coeliac disease but was dropped after Phase II data showed underwhelming bioavailability . As opposed to its parent molecule, administered through subcutaneous injection, EQ302 is an oral formulation. EQ302 is currently in preclinical testing for inflammatory bowel disease, coeliac disease, eosinophilic esophagitis, and skin inflammation. It comprises Equillium’s developmental pipeline along with EQ101, a trispecific cytokine inhibitor in Phase II trials in cancers and alopecia, and itolizumab, a monoclonal antibody targeting the CD6-ALCAM pathway. See Also: Bicara Therapeutics closes $362m IPO in flurry of biotech listing activity MaxCyte and Kamau Therapeutics sign platform license agreement Itolizumab is the company’s most advanced candidate, and is in a Phase III trial (NCT05263999) for acute graft-versus-host disease. GlobalData projects that the drug will generate an annual $180m for Equillium by 2030. GlobalData is the parent company of Pharmaceutical Technology . The agreement caused little movement in Equillium stock. Equillium’s share price stood at $0.87 as the markets closed before the weekend and rose to $0.90 as they opened on 16 September, as per Yahoo Finance . The company has yet to reverse a general decline since a share price high of $19.69 in November 2018. Its market cap is currently valued at $30.47m. Stephen Connelly, CSO of Equillium, underlined the company’s confidence in Vivtex’s platform in a statement on the development. This was reiterated by Maureen Deehan, CEO of Vivtex, who said those involved were, “confident that this partnership will accelerate efforts to offer more effective, accessible, and less burdensome treatment options to patients”, with improved patient compliance stressed as an integral benefit of the oral formulation.