XOMA Presented First Data from Novel Antibody Fragment to Address Severe Acute Hypoglycemia at the ENDO Meeting
Data supports continued development of XOMA 129 as a novel targeted therapy for the treatment of hypoglycemic conditions
BERKELEY, Calif., April 04, 2016 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- XOMA Corporation (Nasdaq:XOMA), a leader in the discovery and development of therapeutic antibodies, announced the presentation of data from XOMA 129, the lead compound in the Company’s XMetD antibody fragment (Fab) program, at the Endocrine Society’s Annual Meeting – ENDO 2016. A senior scientist at XOMA presented the Company’s poster titled “XOMA 129, a Novel Insulin Receptor Negative Modulator, is Efficacious in Treating Insulin- and Glibenclamide-induced Hypoglycemia in Animals.”
“Severe acute hypoglycemia is a common complication with diabetes therapies that requires prompt recognition and treatment to prevent severe toxicity and potentially mortality. XOMA 129, our novel Fab that binds to an allosteric site on the insulin receptor, was designed to have a rapid onset and limited duration of action, two important clinical requirements in reversing an acute hypoglycemic event,” stated Paul Rubin, M.D., Senior Vice President, Research and Development, and Chief Medical Officer at XOMA. “The data presented at ENDO 2016 demonstrate our Fab exhibits the rapidity of effect and clearance traits required, thereby leading us to believe XOMA 129 represents a novel potential treatment approach for these severe hypoglycemic episodes.”
The poster outlines XOMA 129’s performance in separate pre-clinical models: cell culture and animal pharmacology studies. In vitro assays showed XOMA 129 decreases the activity of insulin on mammalian cells over-expressing human, rat and minipig insulin receptor (INSR) in a dose-dependent manner. Further studies confirmed XOMA 129 binds to the INSR and acts as a negative allosteric modulator. In animal studies, potential rescue of insulin or sulphonylurea-induced hypoglycemia was modeled in normal rats. Administration of insulin or glibenclamide (a sulfonylurea) produced abnormally low glucose levels. Intravenous administration of XOMA 129 at time points wherein the drug-induced glucose levels were falling below normal levels rapidly stabilized blood glucose levels thereby preventing hypoglycemia. In normal minipigs, intramuscular administration yielded significant elevation of blood glucose lasting for several hours thereby confirming the activity in mammals.
About XOMA 129
XOMA 129 is a fully human, high affinity monoclonal antibody fragment that specifically targets the human insulin receptor (INSR). Insulin is the major hormone for lowering blood glucose levels. Profound hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) can result in significant morbidities, including organ damage and potentially death. There are acute and more persistent hypoglycemia conditions associated with abnormally high insulin levels, which represent unmet medical needs. As a negative allosteric modulator, XOMA 129 binds with high affinity to a site distinct from insulin binding and dampens insulin signaling. This drug candidate has been designed to provide a rapid onset of action and a duration of action tailored to meet the pharmacotherapy needs in certain conditions. The Company intends to pursue an Investigational New Drug (IND) application in the US for XOMA 129 upon completion of its IND-enabling nonclinical development activities.
About XOMA Corporation
XOMA Corporation is a leader in the discovery and development of therapeutic antibodies. The Company's innovative product candidates result from its expertise in developing ground-breaking monoclonal antibodies, including allosteric antibodies, which have created new opportunities to potentially treat a wide range of human diseases. XOMA's scientific research has produced a portfolio of five endocrine assets, each of which has the opportunity to address multiple indications. The Company's lead product candidate, XOMA 358, is an allosteric monoclonal antibody that reduces insulin receptor activity, which could have a major impact on the treatment of hyperinsulinism. The Company recently initiated Phase 2 development activities for XOMA 358 in patients with congenital hyperinsulinism. For more information, visit www.xoma.com.
Forward-Looking Statements
Certain statements contained in this press release including, but not limited to, statements related to anticipated timing of clinical trials, anticipated timing of the release of clinical data, regulatory approval of unapproved product candidates, the anticipated process of clinical data analysis, the anticipated success of any clinical trial, cash usage, or statements that otherwise relate to future periods are forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. These statements are based on assumptions that may not prove accurate, and actual results could differ materially from those anticipated due to certain risks inherent in the biotechnology industry and for companies engaged in the development of new products in a regulated market. Potential risks to XOMA meeting these expectations are described in more detail in XOMA's most recent filing on Form 10-K and in other SEC filings. Consider such risks carefully when considering XOMA's prospects. Any forward-looking statement in this press release represents XOMA's views only as of the date of this press release and should not be relied upon as representing its views as of any subsequent date. XOMA disclaims any obligation to update any forward-looking statement, except as required by applicable law.
Company and Investor Contact: Ashleigh Barreto 510-204-7482 barreto@xoma.com Juliane Snowden The Oratorium Group, LLC jsnowden@oratoriumgroup.com Media Contact: Ryan Flinn W2O Group 415-946-1059 rflinn@w2ogroup.com
Released April 4, 2016