Quisovalimab

In 2024, the range of diseases treated by globally approved new drugs was diverse, with cancer and rare diseases leading in the total number of new drug approvals. Several new drugs were also approved in the fields of anti-infectives and cardiovascular diseases. Among the approved small molecule drugs, 8 were designated as "first-in-class" therapies with breakthrough therapy status. These drugs not only possess unique mechanisms of action but also provide significant therapeutic improvements over previous treatments. As the development technologies for peptide and nucleic acid-based drugs have matured, their proportion among FDA-approved new drugs has stabilized. In 2024, the approved nucleic acid-based drugs included the first telomerase inhibitor, Rytelo (imetelstat). This drug targets and binds to the RNA template of telomerase, inhibiting its activity. It received FDA approval in June 2024 for the treatment of adult patients with myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS). A major challenge for peptide-based drugs is their susceptibility to degradation in the human body, making it difficult to maintain their efficacy. However, advancements in peptide modification technologies have led to longer half-lives for these drugs, offering patients long-acting therapies with reduced treatment burdens. Yorvipath, a long-acting parathyroid hormone prodrug approved in 2024, links the parathyroid hormone prodrug to a polyethylene glycol carrier to control the hormone's release in the body. It received FDA approval in August 2024 as the first treatment for adult hypoparathyroidism. In 2024, CBER approved 8 cell and gene therapies. These therapies not only represent technological innovations but also provide the first approved treatments for patients with various types of diseases. Amtagvi (lifileucel): On February 16, 2024, the U.S. FDA granted accelerated approval to Iovance Biotherapeutics' tumor-infiltrating lymphocyte (TIL) therapy, Amtagvi (lifileucel), for the treatment of advanced melanoma. Amtagvi is the first approved TIL therapy and the first T-cell therapy approved for solid tumors, marking another milestone in cell therapy. Lenmeldy (atidarsagene autotemcel): On March 18, 2024, the FDA approved Lenmeldy (atidarsagene autotemcel, arsa-cel), a gene therapy developed by Orchard Therapeutics, for the treatment of pediatric patients with metachromatic leukodystrophy (MLD) who meet specific criteria. This is the first FDA-approved gene therapy for this rare genetic disorder. Tecelra (afamitresgene autoleucel): On August 1, 2024, the FDA approved Adaptimmune Therapeutics' engineered T-cell therapy, Tecelra (afami-cel), for the treatment of adult patients with advanced MAGE-A4+ synovial sarcoma of certain HLA types who have previously received chemotherapy. Tecelra is the first engineered T-cell therapy approved for solid tumors and the first effective treatment for synovial sarcoma in over a decade. Kebilidi (eladocagene exuparvovec): On November 13, 2024, the FDA granted accelerated approval to Kebilidi (eladocagene exuparvovec), a gene therapy developed by PTC Therapeutics, for the treatment of pediatric and adult patients with aromatic L-amino acid decarboxylase deficiency (AADCD), regardless of disease severity. This is the first FDA-approved gene therapy administered via direct injection into the brain. Ryoncil (remestemcel): On December 18, 2024, the FDA approved Ryoncil (remestemcel), developed by Mesoblast, for the treatment of steroid-refractory acute graft-versus-host disease (SR-aGVHD) in pediatric patients aged 2 months and older. The FDA's press release highlighted that this is the first FDA-approved mesenchymal stromal cell (MSC) therapy. In addition, the FDA approved Moderna's respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccine, Mresvia, marking the first approval of an mRNA vaccine for a disease other than COVID-19, demonstrating the potential of mRNA technology. Top 10 Potential Blockbuster Therapies of 20241. Rezdiffra (resmetirom): The First FDA-Approved Therapy for Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatohepatitis (MASH) Rezdiffra (resmetirom), developed by Madrigal Pharmaceuticals, is a "first-in-class," once-daily, oral thyroid hormone receptor (THR)-β selective agonist designed to target the underlying causes of MASH. Thyroid hormone plays a central role in liver function by activating β receptors in hepatocytes, influencing a range of health parameters, from serum cholesterol and triglyceride levels to the pathological accumulation of fat in the liver. Rezdiffra received FDA approval in March 2024, becoming the first approved therapy for MASH and marking a significant milestone in this field. 2. Winrevair (sotatercept): A "First-in-Class" Therapy for Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension Winrevair is a "first-in-class" activin receptor type IIA (ActRIIA) fusion protein. It combines a modified extracellular domain of ActRIIA with the Fc region of an antibody. This therapy blocks the binding of activin to its cell membrane receptors, thereby reducing activin-mediated signaling. Merck acquired this innovative therapy through its approximately $11.5 billion acquisition of Acceleron Pharma in 2021. Winrevair received FDA approval in March 2024 for the treatment of pulmonary arterial hypertension. Merck believes it has the potential to become a cornerstone therapy for this condition. 3. Anktiva: A "First-in-Class" IL-15 Receptor Agonist for Non-Muscle Invasive Bladder Cancer (NMIBC) Anktiva, developed by ImmunityBio's Altor BioScience, consists of an IL-15 mutant (IL-15N72D) bound to an IL-15 receptor α/IgG1 Fc fusion protein. Compared to natural IL-15, Anktiva exhibits superior pharmacokinetic properties in patients, persists longer in lymphoid tissues, and demonstrates enhanced anti-tumor activity. In April 2024, Anktiva received FDA approval for use in combination with Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) to treat adult patients with BCG-unresponsive NMIBC accompanied by carcinoma in situ (CIS). In clinical trials, patients treated with Anktiva achieved a complete response rate of 62%. 4. mResvia: The First mRNA Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) Vaccine Moderna's mRNA-based RSV vaccine, mResvia (mRNA-1345), received FDA approval in May 2024 for protecting adults aged 60 and older from lower respiratory tract disease (RSV-LRTD) caused by RSV infection. This is Moderna's second FDA-approved mRNA vaccine. It consists of an mRNA sequence encoding a stabilized prefusion F glycoprotein, delivered using the same lipid nanoparticle (LNP) technology as Moderna's COVID-19 vaccine. 5. Rytelo (imetelstat): The First Telomerase Inhibitor In June 2024, the U.S. FDA approved Geron's "first-in-class" telomerase inhibitor, Rytelo (imetelstat), for the treatment of adult patients with low- to intermediate-1-risk myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS). This approval marked the arrival of the first telomerase-targeted therapy, nearly 40 years after the discovery of telomerase in 1984. Telomeres are protective caps at the ends of chromosomes that naturally shorten with each cell division. In MDS, abnormal bone marrow cells often express telomerase, which rebuilds telomeres, leading to uncontrolled cell division. Preclinical and clinical data show that Rytelo inhibits telomerase activity, curbing the uncontrolled proliferation of cancerous stem and progenitor cells and inducing apoptosis in malignant cells, demonstrating disease-modifying activity. 6. Ohtuvayre (ensifentrine): The First Inhaled Therapy with a Novel Mechanism of Action for COPD Maintenance Treatment in Over 20 Years Ohtuvayre, developed by Verona Pharma, is a "first-in-class" dual phosphodiesterase 3/4 (PDE3/4) inhibitor. It received FDA approval in June 2024 as a maintenance treatment for adult patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Ohtuvayre is the first inhaled COPD therapy to combine bronchodilator and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory effects. Additionally, it represents the first inhaled therapy with a novel mechanism of action for COPD maintenance treatment in over two decades. Ohtuvayre works by inhibiting PDE3, leading to relaxation of airway smooth muscles and bronchodilation, while its inhibition of PDE4 reduces inflammation by decreasing the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines. 7. Kisunla (donanemab): The First Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) Therapy Allowing Treatment Discontinuation Upon Meeting Criteria Kisunla, developed by Eli Lilly, is an anti-amyloid monoclonal antibody that specifically binds to the N3pG subtype of amyloid. By targeting this subtype, Kisunla selectively binds to amyloid plaques in the brain, facilitating their clearance. In July 2024, it received FDA approval for the treatment of adult patients with early symptomatic AD, including those with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) or mild dementia stage AD, confirmed by the presence of amyloid pathology. According to the press release, Kisunla, administered monthly, is the first amyloid plaque-targeting therapy with evidence supporting treatment discontinuation after amyloid plaque clearance, potentially reducing treatment costs and the frequency of infusions. 8. Ebglyss (lebrikizumab): A New First-Line Biologic Therapy for Atopic Dermatitis Ebglyss, co-developed by Almirall and Eli Lilly, is an anti-IL-13 antibody. It received FDA approval in September 2024 for the treatment of moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis (AD) in adults and adolescents (aged 12 years and older, weighing at least 40 kg) whose disease remains uncontrolled despite topical treatments. IL-13 is a key cytokine in AD, driving type 2 inflammation in the skin, which leads to impaired skin barrier function, itching, skin thickening, and infections. Ebglyss's targeted mechanism of action, along with its demonstrated efficacy and safety in both short- and long-term use, makes it a compelling option for patients with moderate-to-severe AD inadequately controlled by topical therapies. Its once-monthly maintenance dosing offers convenience for patients. 9. Cobenfy (xanomeline, trospium chloride): The First Novel Mechanism Drug for Schizophrenia in Decades Cobenfy received FDA approval in September 2024 for the treatment of adult patients with schizophrenia. The FDA press release highlighted that Cobenfy is the first antipsychotic drug targeting cholinergic receptors, diverging from the long-standing standard therapies that target dopamine receptors. This approval marks the first novel mechanism drug for schizophrenia in decades. Cobenfy combines two active ingredients, xanomeline and trospium chloride, designed to activate muscarinic acetylcholine receptors in the brain while minimizing peripheral effects. By stimulating M1 and M4 muscarinic receptors, xanomeline alleviates negative symptoms such as apathy and reduced social drive, improves cognitive function, and helps manage other psychiatric symptoms like hallucinations and delusions. Originally developed by Karuna Therapeutics, Cobenfy was acquired by Bristol Myers Squibb in December 2023 through a merger agreement. 10. Attruby (acoramidis): The First Approved Product with Labeling Indicating Near-Complete Stabilization of Transthyretin (TTR) In November 2024, the FDA approved Attruby (acoramidis), developed by BridgeBio Pharma, for the treatment of adults with transthyretin-mediated amyloidosis with cardiomyopathy (ATTR-CM) to reduce cardiovascular mortality and cardiovascular-related hospitalizations. The press release noted that Attruby is the first approved product with labeling indicating near-complete stabilization of TTR. The drug is designed to mimic the protective function of the TTR T119M mutation, maintaining the normal tetrameric conformation of TTR and preventing the formation of toxic amyloid deposits. In a Phase 3 clinical trial, Attruby reduced all-cause mortality and recurrent cardiovascular-related hospitalizations by 42% compared to placebo at 30 months of treatment. How to obtain the latest research advancements in the field of biopharmaceuticals? In the Synapse database, you can keep abreast of the latest research and development advances in drugs, targets, indications, organizations, etc., anywhere and anytime, on a daily or weekly basis. Click on the image below to embark on a brand new journey of drug discovery!

Proceeds from the full exercise of warrants issued in the first quarter of 2024 private placement bring the total gross proceeds from the transaction to $185 millionCash runway expected into at least 2027 WAYNE, Pa. and ROCKVILLE, Md., Nov. 12, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Avalo Therapeutics, Inc. (Nasdaq: AVTX), a clinical stage biotechnology company focused on the treatment of immune dysregulation, today announced that it has received $69.4 million in gross proceeds from the full exercise of the warrants issued in a March 2024 private placement. “We appreciate the outstanding support of our investors by fully exercising their warrants from the private placement earlier this year. While our primary focus remains on the execution of our Phase 2 LOTUS trial in hidradenitis suppurativa, we are excited to expand the AVTX-009 program into additional inflammatory indications,” said Dr. Garry Neil, Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board. “We are hard at work identifying our next indication, the launch and execution of which will benefit from our improved cash position and extended cash runway.” The warrants were issued as part of the private placement in March 2024 that was led by Commodore Capital and TCGX, with participation from BVF Partners, Deep Track Capital, OrbiMed, Petrichor, and RA Capital Management. 11,967,526 warrants were issued and all have been exercised at an exercise price of $5.796933 per underlying share of common stock, resulting in gross proceeds to Avalo of $69.4 million and the issuance of 781,259 shares of common stock and 11,186.267 shares of series C non-voting convertible preferred stock. As of November 8, 2024, Avalo has 10,463,633 shares of common stock outstanding and 24,895.92 shares of series C preferred stock outstanding. Each share of series C preferred stock is convertible into 1,000 shares of common stock, subject to certain beneficial ownership limitations. About Avalo Therapeutics Avalo Therapeutics is a clinical stage biotechnology company focused on the treatment of immune dysregulation. Avalo’s lead asset is AVTX-009, an anti-IL-1β mAb, targeting inflammatory diseases. Avalo also has two additional drug candidates, which include quisovalimab (anti-LIGHT mAb) and AVTX-008 (BTLA agonist fusion protein). For more information about Avalo, please visit www.avalotx.com. About AVTX-009 AVTX-009 is a humanized monoclonal antibody (IgG4) that binds to interleukin-1β (IL-1β) with high affinity and neutralizes its activity. IL-1β is a central driver in the inflammatory process. Overproduction or dysregulation of IL-1β is implicated in many autoimmune and inflammatory diseases. IL-1β is a major, validated target for therapeutic intervention. There is evidence that inhibition of IL-1β could be effective in hidradenitis suppurativa and a variety of inflammatory diseases in dermatology, gastroenterology, and rheumatology. About the LOTUS Trial The LOTUS Trial is a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group Phase 2 trial with two AVTX-009 dose regimens to evaluate the efficacy and safety of AVTX-009 in approximately 180 adults with moderate to severe hidradenitis suppurativa. Subjects will be randomized (1:1:1) to receive either one of two dosing regimens of AVTX-009 or placebo during a 16-week treatment phase. The primary efficacy endpoint is the proportion of subjects achieving Hidradenitis Suppurativa Clinical Response (HiSCR75) at Week 16. Secondary objectives include but are not limited to: proportion of patients achieving HiSCR50 and HiSCR90 as well as change from baseline in: International HS Severity Score System (IHS4), draining fistula count, abscess and inflammatory nodule (AN) count and patients achieving at least a 30% reduction on a numerical rating scale in Patient's Global Assessment of Skin Pain (PGA Skin Pain). The number of patients with anti-drug antibodies, safety, and tolerability will be assessed. For additional information this trial (NCT06603077), please visit www.clinicaltrials.gov. About Hidradenitis Suppurativa Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a chronic inflammatory skin condition characterized by painful nodules, abscesses, and tunnels that form in areas of the body such as the armpits, groin, and buttocks, severely impacting the quality of life of affected individuals.1 HS is often underdiagnosed or misdiagnosed and therefore estimates of HS vary between 0.2-1.7% of the population worldwide.2-5 The exact cause of HS is not fully understood but is believed to involve a combination of genetic, hormonal, and environmental factors. While advances in treatment have been made, limited treatment options are available. IL-1β plays a crucial role in the inflammatory cascade underlying HS, contributing to tissue damage, inflammation, and disease progression. Given the involvement of IL-1β in the inflammatory process of HS, we believe therapies that target IL-1β offer a potential treatment option for HS. Forward-Looking Statements This press release may include forward-looking statements made pursuant to the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements are statements that are not historical facts. Such forward-looking statements are subject to significant risks and uncertainties that are subject to change based on various factors (many of which are beyond Avalo’s control), which could cause actual results to differ from the forward-looking statements. Such statements may include, without limitation, statements with respect to Avalo’s plans, objectives, projections, expectations and intentions and other statements identified by words such as “projects,” “may,” “might,” “will,” “could,” “would,” “should,” “continue,” “seeks,” “aims,” “predicts,” “believes,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “estimates,” “intends,” “plans,” “potential,” or similar expressions (including their use in the negative), or by discussions of future matters such as: the intended use of proceeds from the warrant exercise; drug development costs, timing of trials and trial results and other risks, including reliance on investigators and enrollment of patients in clinical trials; reliance on key personnel; regulatory risks; integration of AVTX-009 into our operations; general economic and market risks and uncertainties, including those caused by the war in Ukraine and the Middle East; and those other risks detailed in Avalo’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, available at www.sec.gov. Actual results may differ from those set forth in the forward-looking statements. Except as required by applicable law, Avalo expressly disclaims any obligations or undertaking to release publicly any updates or revisions to any forward-looking statements contained herein to reflect any change in Avalo’s expectations with respect thereto or any change in events, conditions or circumstances on which any statement is based. References1Patel ZS et al. Curr Pain Headache Rep. 2017;21(12):49.2Egeberg A, et al. JAMA Dermatol 2016;152:429–343Phan K, et al Biomed Dermatol 2020; 4: 2-64Jfri, A, et al. JAMA Dermatol. 2021;157(8):924-315Nguyen TV, et al. J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol. 2021;35(1):50-61 For media and investor inquiries Christopher Sullivan, CFO Avalo Therapeutics, Inc. ir@avalotx.com410-803-6793 or Meru AdvisorsLauren Glaserlglaser@meruadvisors.com