Scinai’s NanoAb Innovation
at the 5th Annual Dermatology Drug Development Summit
Scinai’s NanoAb innovation was featured in a presentation at the recent 5th Annual Dermatology Drug Development Summit in Berlin. Scinai CSO, Dr. Tamar Ben-Yedidia joined Prof.
Michael Schon, Chair, Dept. Dermatology, Venereology & Allegology, University Medical Center Gottingen, for a presentation titled:
“Elevating Dermatological Drug Development Through Advanced Inflammatory Market Targeting Methodology”.
The presentation covered our latest breakthrough in the development of a NanoAb for the treatment of plaque psoriasis.
Our treatment against plaque psoriasis involves a single nano-sized antibody called NanoAb that targets both IL17A and IL17F interleukins. These interleukins play a major role in the development of plaque psoriasis.
By targeting both isoforms, Scinai aims to achieve higher efficacy in treating this skin condition as already shown for mAbs.
Scinai’s approach differs from existing monoclonal antibody (mAb) by offering an effective and localized treatment option and by targeting IL-17A, and -F whereas treatments like Cosentyx and Taltz, which target only IL-17A. Research indicates that targeting both IL-17A and IL-17F provides better efficacy in treating plaque psoriasis. MoonLake Immunotherapeutics is also developing a nanobody targeting both isoforms2.
IL-17 targeting NanoAb showed high affinity to the IL-17 isoforms relevant for psoriasis (A, F, and AF complex) and significant neutralization of these isoforms in tissue cultures at low nM concentrations which is better than the neutralization capacity of the mAbs (Cosentyx and Bimzelx).
In further study with human psoriatic skin, a significant blockage of IL-17A and -F was observed upon injection of the VHH into the lesion. The levels of IL-17 were reduced to normal and the efficacy of the VHH was better than the efficacy of the standard of care (Betamethasone – a topical corticosteroid and Secukinumab – a systemic monoclonal antibody).
We showed that the VHH remains in the injection site and the systemic exposure (leakage to the blood) is minimal, this fact, together with the VHH small size and lack of Fc region are expected to contribute to the high safety profile of the VHH. These data were recently presented at the dermatology drug development conference in Berlin.
Scinai is now progressing with the non-clinical development and is planning for the toxicology studies and the First in Human (FIH) trial in 2025.
Please note that this information is based on preclinical results, and further studies are needed to confirm its effectiveness in humans.
[NanoAbs: Scinai’s NanoAbs are alpaca-derived recombinant variable domain of heavy-chain-only antibodies, also known as nanobodies or VHH antibodies.]
