CAMBRIDGE, Mass.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jan. 22, 2014--
Idera Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (Nasdaq: IDRA), a clinical stage
biopharmaceutical company developing a novel therapeutic approach for
the treatment of autoimmune diseases and genetically defined forms of
B-cell lymphoma, today announced the publication of a study supporting
the potential role of the suppression of Toll-like-receptors (TLRs) 7,
8, and 9 in the treatment of psoriasis. The data were published in the
scientific journal PLOS ONE.
In the publication, entitled Suppression of Molecular Inflammatory
Pathways by Toll-Like Receptor 7, 8, and 9 Antagonists in a Model of
IL-23-Induced Skin Inflammation, data are presented from a study of
an antagonist of TLRs 7 and 9 and an antagonist of TLRs 7, 8, and 9. The
IL-23-induced mouse model of skin inflammation was chosen due to its
histological and molecular resemblance to human psoriasis, including the
involvement of the IL-17 inflammatory pathway. Gene expression analyses
showed that treatment with either antagonist normalized expression of
IL-17-induced genes. Additionally, both antagonists normalized aberrant
expression of keratin 16, an indicator of epidermal hyperplasia. More of
the IL-23 regulated genes were modulated with the antagonist of TLRs 7,
8, and 9 (36%) than with the antagonist of TLRs 7, and 9 (26%). In
addition to IL-17, other inflammatory pathways, including IL-6 and
interferon-gamma, were strongly suppressed by both antagonists. Further
analysis showed that the antagonist of TLRs 7, 8, and 9 down-regulated
the JAK-STAT, IL-23, IL-12, and IL-17 canonical pathways. The results
suggest that IL-23-driven inflammation in mouse skin may be dependent on
signaling mediated by TLRs 7, 8, and 9.
“These results indicate that TLRs 7, 8 and 9 could serve as novel
therapeutic targets in psoriasis vulgaris and other disease with similar
pathophysiology,” stated James G. Krueger, M.D., Ph.D., Head of the
Laboratory for Investigative Dermatology at The Rockefeller University
and senior study author.
“These data provide further insight into the mechanisms underlying the
therapeutic effect which we have reported previously in our TLR
antagonist clinical program in psoriasis. Currently, we are conducting a
Phase 2 clinical trial of IMO-8400, an antagonist of TLRs 7, 8, and 9,
for the treatment of patients with moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis
and plan to initiate clinical development in selected orphan autoimmune
indications,” said Robert D. Arbeit, M.D., Vice President of Clinical
Development at Idera.
Authors of the study were Mayte Suárez-Fariñas, Ph.D, Francesca S.
Ortenzio, and James G. Krueger, M.D., Ph.D., from the Laboratory for
Investigative Dermatology at The Rockefeller University; and Robert
Arbeit, M.D., and Tim Sullivan, Ph.D., from Idera Pharmaceuticals. The
publication can be found by visiting PLOS
ONE.
About the IMO-8400 Phase 2 trial in moderate-to-severe plaque
psoriasis
In September 2013, Idera completed enrollment of the 32 patients
initially planned in the Company’s ongoing randomized, double-blind,
placebo-controlled Phase 2 trial of IMO-8400 in patients with
moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis. These 32 patients were randomized
for treatment at three dose levels of IMO-8400, 0.075 mg/kg, 0.15 mg/kg
and 0.3 mg/kg, or placebo. The data remain blinded as the follow-up
period of the trial continues. All treatments were well tolerated in the
trial, and based on the observed safety profile, the Company expanded
the trial to evaluate a higher dose cohort of 0.6 mg/kg and placebo in
up to 12 patients.. The Company expects to report top-line data from the
trial in the first half of 2014.
About Idera Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
Idera's technology platform involves creating novel synthetic RNA- and
DNA-based compounds to modulate immune responses. Idera has applied this
platform to develop proprietary Toll-like receptor (TLR) antagonists as
immunomodulatory drug candidates. Toll-like receptor antagonists block
the over-activation of immune factors which can cause a range of
pathological effects. Idera is conducting clinical development of TLR
antagonists in autoimmune and inflammatory diseases, and for use in
B-cell lymphomas harboring the MYD88 L265P mutation. More information on
Idera is available at www.iderapharma.com.
Forward Looking Statements
This press release includes statements concerning Idera Pharmaceuticals,
Inc. and its future expectations, plans and prospects that constitute
forward-looking statements within the meaning of The Private Securities
Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and that involve a number of risks and
uncertainties. For this purpose, any statements contained herein that
are not statements of historical fact may be deemed to be
forward-looking statements. Without limiting the foregoing, the words
"believes," "anticipates," "plans," "expects," "estimates," "intends,"
"should," "could," "will," "may," and similar expressions are intended
to identify forward-looking statements. There are a number of important
factors that could cause Idera's actual results to differ materially
from those indicated by such forward-looking statements, including
whether results obtained in early research, preclinical studies and
clinical trials will be indicative of the results that will be generated
in future preclinical and clinical studies; whether products based on
Idera's technology will advance into or through the clinical trial
process on a timely basis or at all and receive approval from the FDA or
equivalent foreign regulatory agencies; whether, if the Company's
products receive approval, they will be successfully distributed and
marketed; and such other important factors as are set forth under the
caption "Risk Factors" in Idera's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the
period ended September 30, 2013, which important factors are
incorporated herein by reference. Idera disclaims any intention or
obligation to update any forward-looking statements.
Source: Idera Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
Idera Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
Lou Arcudi, 617-679-5517
larcudi@iderapharma.com
