IL-9

LA JOLLA, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Equillium, Inc. (Nasdaq: EQ), a clinical-stage biotechnology company focused on developing novel therapeutics to treat severe autoimmune and inflammatory disorders, today announced that on April 1, 2024, the Compensation Committee of Equillium’s Board of Directors granted an inducement award consisting of a nonstatutory stock option to purchase 10,000 shares of common stock to a new employee under Equillium’s 2024 Inducement Plan. The Compensation Committee approved the stock option as an inducement material to the new employee’s employment in accordance with Nasdaq Listing Rule 5635(c)(4). The stock option has an exercise price per share equal to $2.11, Equillium’s closing stock price on April 1, and will vest over four years, with 25% of the underlying shares vesting on the one-year anniversary of the applicable vesting commencement date and the balance of the underlying shares vesting monthly thereafter over 36 months, subject to the new employee’s continued service relationship with Equillium through the applicable vesting dates. The stock option is subject to the terms and conditions of Equillium’s 2024 Inducement Plan and the terms and conditions of an applicable stock option agreement covering the grant. 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; currently under evaluation in a Phase 2 proof-of-concept clinical study of patients with alopecia areata being conducted in Australia and New Zealand by Equillium’s Australian subsidiary as the trial sponsor. 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 a Phase 1b clinical study of patients with lupus/lupus nephritis. 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; and 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.

Topline data delivered to Ono Pharmaceutical, representing the first of two data sets that will trigger Ono’s option exercise decision for itolizumab Itolizumab continues to show clinically meaningful response in highly proteinuric subjects More than 80% of subjects achieved >50% reduction in urine protein creatinine ratio (UPCR) Itolizumab demonstrated a favorable safety and tolerability pro > LA JOLLA, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Equillium, Inc. (Nasdaq: EQ), a clinical-stage biotechnology company focused on developing novel therapeutics to treat severe autoimmune and inflammatory disorders, today announced positive topline data from the Type B portion of the Phase 1b EQUALISE study evaluating itolizumab in lupus nephritis patients. The data suggests high complete and partial response rates with rapid and deep reduction in urine protein creatinine ratio (UPCR) when itolizumab was added to mycophenolate mofetil/mycophenolic acid (MMF/MPA) and corticosteroids. The topline data delivered to our partner, Ono Pharmaceutical, represents the first of two data set triggers leading to their decision as to whether to exercise their option to acquire itolizumab, which is expected in the second half of 2024. “Physicians want to rapidly and safely reduce the levels of proteinuria in patients with lupus nephritis, as this has been associated with improved long-term outcomes, so it is important that we saw both early and large reductions in proteinuria in this study,” said Dr. Maple Fung, chief medical officer at Equillium. “The high complete and partial response rates compare favorably to those observed in the registrational studies of voclosporin, which demonstrated an overall response rate of seventy percent at six and twelve months in the active treatment groups. These itolizumab results occurred in the setting of patients tapering their systemic corticosteroids, maintaining stable kidney function, or eGFR, and increasing serum albumin while on study.” A total of 17 subjects were enrolled in the study, with 16 subjects analyzed as completing through Week 36 (12 weeks following the final dose, or their end of study (EOS) visit). Based on published guidelines for the management of lupus nephritis from the European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR) and European Renal Association-European Dialysis and Transplant Association (ERA-EDTA), clinical activity assessments in this study are focused on the change in UPCR from baseline; proportion of apLN subjects with a complete response (CR), defined as 50% or greater reduction in UPCR and less than 0.5-0.7 g/g; and proportion of subjects achieving a partial response (PR), defined as 50% or greater reduction in UPCR. Key topline data from the Type B portion of the EQUALISE study in lupus nephritis: Subjects were highly proteinuric: baseline mean UPCR of 4.9 g/g. Percent reduction from baseline in median spot UPCR is ~73%. Best clinical response observed by week 36 or their EOS visit: 6 of 16 (37.5%) subjects achieved CR (UPCR < 0.7 g/g) Additional 7 of 16 (43.8%) subjects achieved PR (UPCR > 50% reduction) There was a greater overall response rate (ORR) achieved in patients receiving itolizumab by 12 and 28 weeks than expected compared to the ORR in patients receiving standard of care alone using data generated from the Accelerating Medicines Partnership® (AMP) Lupus Network. Results are comparable to those observed in the Phase 3 AURORA1 study of voclosporin (ORR 70% at 6 and 12 months in active treatment). Consistent with the decline in UPCR overtime, subjects were able to taper their systemic corticosteroids over the course of the study with >80% reduction by Week 24. Itolizumab induced consistent pharmacodynamic responses in patients reducing the levels of cell surface CD6 on T cells, which is known to reduce T cell activity. Itolizumab treatment (over 6 months) was also associated with reductions in absolute lymphocyte counts (ALC), another known pharmacodynamic effect. As noted in other studies of drugs whose mechanism leads to reductions in ALC, such as the S1P modulators, the reduction in ALC observed here was not associated with increased rates of infection or other adverse clinical signals. The majority of TEAEs were assessed as mild (Grade 1) or moderate (Grade 2) in severity, with the two most common TEAEs being lymphopenia and peripheral edema. Two subjects had at least one serious adverse event, none of which were related to study treatment. About Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) & Lupus Nephritis (LN) SLE is an autoimmune disease in which the immune system attacks its own tissues, causing widespread inflammation and tissue damage in the affected organs. It can affect the joints, skin, brain, lungs, kidneys, and blood vessels. LN is a serious complication of SLE, occurring in approximately 30% – 60% of individuals with SLE. LN involves the body’s own immune system attacking the kidneys, causing inflammation and significantly reducing kidney function over time. LN is associated with an increase in mortality compared with the general population and may lead to end-stage renal disease. About the EQUALISE Study The EQUALISE study was a two-part Phase 1b open-label proof-of-concept study of itolizumab in patients with SLE and LN. The Type A portion of the study was a multiple ascending-dose clinical study evaluating the safety and tolerability of subcutaneous delivery of itolizumab over a two-week treatment period in 35 patients with SLE. The Type B portion of the study evaluated the safety, tolerability and clinical activity of subcutaneous delivery of itolizumab dosed at 1.6 mg/kg every two weeks over a 24-week treatment period, with follow up out to 36 weeks, in patients with active proliferative LN. Patients in the Type B portion of the study must have presented with greater than 1 gram of proteinuria and had a recent kidney biopsy showing ISN/RPS class III or IV apLN to be eligible for the study. Consistent with standard of care, patients on study also received 2-3 g/day of mycophenolate mofetil/mycophenolic acid (MMF/MPA), and patients may have received pulse systemic corticosteroids that were rapidly tapered. About Itolizumab Itolizumab is a clinical-stage, first-in-class anti-CD6 monoclonal antibody that selectively targets the CD6-ALCAM signaling pathway to selectively downregulate pathogenic T effector cells while preserving T regulatory cells critical for maintaining a balanced immune response. This pathway plays a central role in modulating the activity and trafficking of T cells that drive a number of immuno-inflammatory diseases. 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; currently under evaluation in a Phase 2 proof-of-concept clinical study of patients with alopecia areata being conducted in Australia and New Zealand by Equillium’s Australian subsidiary as the trial sponsor. 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 recently completed a Phase 1b clinical study of patients with lupus/lupus nephritis. 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. These statements include, but are not limited to, statements regarding Equillium’s plans to deliver the results of the interim review of the EQUATOR study to Ono Pharmaceutical and the expected timeline for Ono Pharmaceutical to make its decision regarding exercising its option; plans for developing EQ101, EQ302 and itolizumab; and the potential benefits of Equillium’s product candidates. 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 and pre-clinical studies; whether the results from clinical and pre-clinical studies will validate and support the safety and efficacy of Equillium’s product candidates; Equillium’s plans and product development, including the initiation and completion of clinical studies and the reporting of data therefrom; changes in the competitive landscape; risks related to Ono’s financial condition and decision to exercise its option, if ever, to purchase itolizumab or terminate the asset purchase agreement; and uncertainties related to Equillium’s capital requirements. 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 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.

外源性细胞因子工程化被认为是增强抗肿瘤T细胞免疫的解决方案之一。常见细胞因子对CAR-T细胞的作用包括：细胞因子对CAR-T细胞特性的影响IL-2增强增殖和效应能力IL-7延长潜在寿命，提高效应功能的持久性IL-9维持T细胞干性，增强效应功能IL-15延长细胞寿命IL-8增强T细胞向肿瘤迁移的能力IL-10通过代谢重编程恢复耗竭T细胞功能IL-12直接上调细胞毒性，调节免疫抑制TMEIL-18增强效应功能，重塑TMEIL-23提高效应功能，减少耗竭表型IL-33调节TMEIL-36γ增强细胞毒性，调节TMEIL-37恢复耗竭T细胞功能在实际开发应用中，把握共表达细胞因子的安全性和有效性依然是一个挑战。近期还是有一些相关研究团队继续关注着细胞因子CAR结构的开发。IL-4IL-4是肿瘤细胞在TME中释放的细胞因子，可以通过与T细胞表面的IL-4受体结合来对抗T细胞效应功能。通过转化细胞因子受体CAR(ICR)是抑制这种免疫抑制作用的常见方法，IL-7和IL-21通常是对应转化细胞因子的选择。华师大的研究团队近期则设计了一款4/15NKG2D-CAR，由基于NKG2D的嵌合抗原受体组成，IL-4R作为细胞外结构域共表达，IL-15R作为跨膜和细胞内结构域共表达，从而将IL-4R抑制信号转化为下游的IL-15R激活信号。(doi:10.1016/j.biopha.2023.115740.)4/15NKG2D-CAR-T在小鼠模型中表现出提高细胞毒性、增殖水平、存活率、未分化表型比例等抗肿瘤作用。IL-7(doi:10.1007/s10565-023-09821-w)研究人员设计了一款GPC3-7-19-CAR-T细胞用于治疗HCCs。杀伤效率是单纯GPC3-CAR-T细胞的1.5-2倍。在小鼠实验中表现出提高浸润CD4+ T细胞亚群比例、募集更成熟的DCs、减少PMN-MDSC和Treg细胞浸润，从而诱导TME重塑。该CAR-T在1例GPC3+ 晚期HCC患者身上展开了临床试验。结果显示，CAR-T治疗后，淋巴结节明显缩小，CT扫描显示CAR-T注射后56天患者纵隔淋巴囊萎缩，CD8+ T细胞的比例(67.9%)远高于基线(16.6%)。采用的患者来源CAR-T细胞阳性率为69%。IL-10IL-10在肿瘤发展和发病机制中的作用似乎是自相矛盾的。IL-10本身具有强大的抗肿瘤作用，通过免疫依赖性机制抑制转移，包括抑制浸润性巨噬细胞和血管生成因子以及激活CD8 + T细胞CTL。但同时，研究也报道了TAM产生的IL-10可以通过抑制APC的功能并随后阻断T细胞效应功能，来减弱抗肿瘤反应。矛盾的IL-10(doi:10.1038/s41587-023-02060-8)2024年1月浙江大学/唐力教授团队合作研究开发了一款表达IL-10的CAR-T，在小鼠实验中表现出能够维持线粒体健康、促进OXPHOS代谢等代谢重编程功能，实现肿瘤的消除。据称该CAR-T已经展开IIT临床试验，至少已有11名复发难治性淋巴瘤或复发难治性急性白血病患者达到完全缓解，CR接近100%。重新认识IL-10：提升CAR-T的CR至100%IL-13Rα2IL-13Rα2则和其他细胞因子的使用不同，其主要是因为在肿瘤上特异性表达而被当做靶点。1.(doi:10.1038/s41591-024-02893-z)近期野马生物/希望之城公布了其IL13Rα2靶向CAR-T MB-101的1期临床数据。所有患者的中位总生存期（中位OS）为8个月，高于复发胶质母细胞瘤的6个月预期生存期，而五项细分亚组中，最大剂量第五组OS达10.2个月。(只剩6个月时，他敲响了CAR-T的门)2.(doi:10.1038/s41591-024-02893-z)同期，吉利德/宾法大学也公布了其靶向EGFR和IL13Rα2的鞘内二价CAR T细胞同样治疗复发性胶质母细胞瘤的1期试验中期结果。该CAR-T会在过表达(EGFR扩增)和/或EGFR胞外结构域突变而发生EGFR 激活失调时激活。接受治疗的6名患者的中位随访时间为2.5个月，所有 6 名患者都观察到增强肿瘤大小的减小，部分肿瘤消退维持在第 +28 天及以后。然而，没有一个达到RANO标准的客观反应标准。IL-15(doi:10.3389/fimmu.2023.1165404)2023年信达生物与苏州大学合作设计的一款H9 CAR-IL15 T细胞，旨在解决其Claudin18.2 CAR-T疗法的长期持久性问题。小鼠 IL-15 修饰赋予肿瘤脉管系统靶向 CAR-T 细胞增强的效应器功能、植入和重编程TME能力，从而在免疫功能正常的小鼠中更好地控制肿瘤。其结果显示，在体外实验中，mIL-15对CAR-T细胞杀伤活性的明显影响仅保持较短时间，在超过三轮刺激后消失，可能和IL-15浓度不足相关。尽管IL-15在体外试验中对CAR-T细胞的总体影响通常不显著，但其在体内的作用是显著的。即使没有淋巴细胞清除预处理，H9 CAR-IL15 T细胞仍然产生明显的肿瘤抑制作用，而未修饰的CAR-T细胞几乎没有效果，从而有机会降低淋巴细胞清除方案造成的毒性作用。IL-24(doi:10.1038/s41416-024-02601-1)IL-24主要是通过靶向肿瘤细胞的干性来影响免疫细胞的疗效，可以通过多种途径特异性诱导肿瘤细胞凋亡，包括DNA损伤、SARI诱导、AIF、ATM和beclin-1轴。同时IL-24还可促进T细胞活化、中枢记忆分化和增殖，但不影响其凋亡。郑州大学研究人员通过构建IL-24 CAR-T细胞，旨在通过IL-24影响抗原丢失的肿瘤细胞对CAR-T的耐药性。体内模型显示，分泌IL-24的CAR-T细胞能更好地控制晚期肿瘤和复发。小结目前很多细胞因子CAR-T都能在安全性方面有较好表现，但实际有效性还是参差不齐的。其他参考文献：Shi H,et al.(2023) IL-15 armoring enhances the antitumor efficacy of claudin 18.2-targeting CAR-T cells in syngeneic mouse tumor models. Front. Immunol. 14:1165404. doi: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1165404