IOME Bio, a seed-stage biotechnology company focused on overcoming tumor resistance to immune checkpoint inhibition, has achieved a significant breakthrough in cancer research. The company is delighted to announce the publication of its foundational research in Nature, conducted by founders Dr. Arlene Sharpe and Dr. Dennis Kasper. This publication provides compelling evidence of the therapeutic relevance of IOME Bio’s approach and highlights the critical importance of the RGMb/PD-L2 pathway in immunotherapy resistance.
Unveiling the Immunosuppressive Role of RGMb/PD-L2 Pathway
IOME Bio’s groundbreaking study demonstrates that the RGMb and PD-L2 pathway plays a highly immunosuppressive role, impacting the efficacy of current immunotherapies. Through sponsored research collaborations with the labs of Dr. Sharpe and Dr. Kasper, as well as Professor Gordon Freeman at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, IOME Bio has gained exclusive access to intellectual property resulting from their discoveries. All three professors, renowned in their fields, have been elected to the US National Academy of Sciences, underscoring the significance of their contributions.
Overcoming Resistance to Immunotherapy
While immune checkpoint inhibitors have revolutionized cancer treatment, a significant proportion of patients fail to respond or experience relapse. The Nature publication, stemming from IOME Bio-sponsored research, reveals the previously unknown role of the RGMb molecule in regulating the body’s response against cancer cells. Previously recognized for its role in tolerance, RGMb is also present on the surface of cancer-fighting T-cells. The study unveils the interference between RGMb and PD-L2 in the anti-tumor response. By blocking either RGMb or PD-L2 with antibodies, combined with anti-PD-1/L1 treatment, researchers consistently achieved a robust anti-tumor response across multiple models and successfully overcame resistance to PD-1 or PD-L1 antibodies.
Leveraging Insights for Effective Immuno-Oncology
Building upon these unique insights into immunosuppression, IOME Bio is poised to unlock the full potential of immuno-oncology with its first-in-class anti-RGMb-based bispecific antibodies. These innovative therapeutic candidates aim to address cancer resistance and improve patient outcomes.
Eric Rambeaux, CEO of IOME Bio, expressed his delight at the international recognition received by Dr. Sharpe, Dr. Kasper, and Professor Freeman for their groundbreaking research. He emphasized the fruitful collaboration between the teams, as well as the essential role played by seed financing from Quark Venture and Seventure in the rapid development of several bispecific programs targeting RGMb. Currently at the candidate selection stage, IOME Bio is now raising series A financing to advance its program into clinical stages and further develop this promising approach.
Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors: Revolutionizing Cancer Treatment
Immune checkpoint inhibitors are drugs that block checkpoint proteins produced by immune system cells and some cancer cells. These proteins, such as PD-1/PD-L1 and CTLA-4, can impede T-cells from killing cancer cells, leading to T-cell exhaustion. By blocking these checkpoints, immune checkpoint inhibitors enhance the ability of T-cells to eliminate cancer cells. Antibodies targeting these checkpoint proteins have received approval for the treatment of various cancer types.
About IOME Bio
IOME Bio S.A. is a venture-backed biotech company specializing in the development of monospecific and bispecific antibodies that target the RGMb/PD-L2 pathway. With the aim of overcoming resistance to PD-1/PD-L1 blockade, IOME Bio leverages unique mechanistic insights to deliver significant benefits for cancer patients. Founded in December 2020 and headquartered in Strasbourg, France, IOME Bio is incubated at SEMIA and receives support from the Grand Est Region and Bpifrance.
For more information about IOME Bio, please visit www.iome-bio.com.
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