- IMO-2125 Induces Endogenous Interferons and Other Antiviral Proteins
-
CAMBRIDGE, Mass.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Nov. 3, 2009--
Idera Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (Nasdaq: IDRA) today presents preclinical
data on the mechanism by which IMO-2125 was shown to induce immune
activation through Toll-like Receptor 9 (TLR9). Two presentations are
being made today at the 60th Annual Meeting of the American
Association for the Study of Liver Diseases being held in Boston, MA.
“Induction of endogenous interferon-alpha and other antiviral proteins
by IMO-2125 provides a novel immunotherapy approach to the potential
treatment of chronic hepatitis C virus infection,” said Sudhir Agrawal,
D.Phil., Chief Executive Officer and Chief Scientific Officer. “We
currently are evaluating IMO-2125 in two phase 1 clinical trials
involving HCV patients non-responsive to standard of care treatment and
patients who are treatment-naïve. Data from these clinical trials will
guide decisions for further development of IMO-2125.”
“One of our presentations today provides insights into the mechanism of
immune activation by IMO-2125 as mediated through TLR9 and the
associated interferon signaling pathways involving MyD88 and IRF7,” said
Tim Sullivan, Ph.D., Vice President of Development Programs. “We also
are presenting data that show endogenous interferon-alpha induced by
IMO-2125 exerts potent anti-HCV activity in replicon assays. This
activity is augmented by other cytokines induced by IMO-2125.”
Abstract 1593: “IMO-2125, a TLR9 agonist, induces Th-1 type cytokines
and interferons with potent anti-HCV activity in human peripheral blood
mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDCs)”
In this study, IMO-2125 induction of cytokines was evaluated in human
peripheral blood mononuclear cells (hPBMCs) and plasmacytoid dendritic
cells (pDCs). The data show that IMO-2125 induced high levels of
endogenous interferon-alpha along with interferon-beta,
interferon-lambda, and other proteins including IP-10 and 2’-5’-OAS.
These IMO-2125-induced cytokines showed potent antiviral activity in the
HCV replicon assay. Antiviral activity was decreased by addition of
anti-interferon-alpha antibody, but only partially which suggests that
other cytokines and chemokines induced by IMO-2125 also contribute to
the antiviral activity.
Abstract 1597: “Gene expression profiles induced by IMO-2125, an
agonist of Toll-like receptor 9, in human peripheral blood mononuclear
cells”
In this study, the mechanism of immune activation by IMO-2125 in hPBMCs
was evaluated by gene expression analysis. Gene expression profiles were
obtained using TLR signaling pathway microarray, IFN-alpha/beta response
microarray, human innate and adaptive immune response microarray, and
human Th1-Th2-Th3 response microarray. The results show that IMO-2125
mediated immune responses through TLR9 and associated interferon
signaling pathways involving MyD88 and interferon regulatory factor 7
(IRF7). In addition, many type 1 interferon-response genes,
interferon-inducible proteins, antiviral proteins, TLR9 signaling
molecules and transcription factors were up-regulated.
The above presentations are being made by Idera scientists today at 8:00
a.m. ET.
About IMO-2125
IMO-2125 is a novel DNA-based TLR9 agonist being evaluated for the
treatment of chronic HCV infection. IMO-2125 has been shown to induce
endogenous interferon-alpha and other antiviral immune response proteins
in preclinical models, including non-human primates. IMO-2125 is being
evaluated in a phase 1 clinical trial as monotherapy in patients with
chronic HCV infection who have failed to respond to previous standard of
care combination therapy of ribavirin and pegylated interferon-alpha.
IMO-2125 also is being evaluated in a phase 1 clinical trial in
combination with ribavirin in treatment-naïve patients with chronic HCV
infection.
About Idera Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
Idera Pharmaceuticals develops drug candidates to treat infectious
diseases, autoimmune and inflammatory diseases, cancer, and respiratory
diseases, and for use as vaccine adjuvants. Our proprietary drug
candidates are designed to modulate specific Toll-like Receptors (TLRs),
which are a family of immune system receptors that direct immune system
responses. Our pioneering DNA and RNA chemistry expertise enables us to
create drug candidates for our internal development programs and our
partnered programs, and generates opportunities for additional
collaborative alliances. For more information, visit www.iderapharma.com.
Idera Forward Looking Statements
This press release contains forward-looking statements concerning Idera
Pharmaceuticals, Inc. 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 preclinical studies, such as the studies referred to above,
will be indicative of results obtained in future clinical trials;
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 United States Food and Drug Administration or
equivalent foreign regulatory agencies; whether, if the Company's
products receive approval, they will be successfully distributed and
marketed; whether the patents and patent applications owned or licensed
by the Company will protect the Company’s technology and prevent others
from infringing it; whether Idera's cash resources will be sufficient to
fund the Company's operations; 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 three months ended June 30, 2009, 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.
Kelly Luethje, 617-679-5519
kluethje@iderapharma.com
or
MacDougall
Biomedical Communications
Chris Erdman, 781-235-3060
cerdman@macbiocom.com
