For several years, Humira (adalimumab; AbbVie), a monoclonal antibody (mAb) that inhibits the pro-inflammatory cytokine tumor necrosis factor, has been the top-selling drug globally, based on its use to treat multiple immuno-inflammatory disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Although successful, a substantial proportion of patients do not respond to established drugs such as Humira, and the search continues for new approaches that might be effective for these individuals. Targeting signaling by other pro-inflammatory cytokines is one approach, as exemplified in Horizon Therapeutics’ May deal with Q32 Bio (see below) to develop its mAb targeting interleukin-7 receptor subunit alpha (IL-7Rα). Ion channels on immune cells are another class of promising targets, such as Kv1.3, which is the focus of a June deal between Lilly and D. E. Shaw Research. There is also growing interest in the potential to harness immune cells themselves as therapeutics, which is highlighted by Bristol Myers Squibb’s August deal with GentiBio to develop engineered regulatory T cells to re-establish immune tolerance in IBD.
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