Immunic Presents Key Vidofludimus Calcium Data at the 40th Congress of ECTRIMS, Highlighting Its Therapeutic Potential in Multiple Sclerosis
– Vidofludimus Calcium Consistently Reduce d Neurofilament Light Chain Levels, Compared to Placebo, in the Interim Analysis of the Phase 2 CALLIPER Trial, Across Age and Disability Levels at Baseline For All Progressive Multiple Sclerosis Subtypes –
– Clinical Signal Shown for Vidofludimus Calcium on Post COVID Fatigue May Be Related to Epstein-Barr Virus Reactivation; Preventing This Reactivation May Contribute to Fatigue Reduction in M ultiple Sclerosis Patients –
– Preclinical Data Showed Improved Neuronal Survival, Likely Driven by Vidofludimus Calcium's Induction of Nurr1 Activation, as Demonstrated by Primary Target Gene Regulation –
– In Preclinical Experiments, Vidofludimus Calcium Reduced or Prevented Development of Pathogenic Peripheral T Helper Cells, Which Could be One of the Treatment Pathways in Multiple Sclerosis –
"Having four poster presentations on our lead asset, vidofludimus calcium, at the prestigious
Oral Poster Presentation:
- Title: Serum Neurofilament Changes in Progressive MS: Exploring the Impact of Vidofludimus Calcium by Age and Disability in the CALLIPER Study Interim Analysis
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Presenting Author:
Robert J. Fox , M.D., Staff Neurologist,Mellen Center for Multiple Sclerosis , Vice-Chair for Research,Neurological Institute ,Cleveland Clinic ,Cleveland, Ohio - Poster Number: P753
- Session Title: Poster Session 2
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Date:
Thursday, September 19, 2024 -
Time:
4:45 pm –6:45 pm CEST
In the phase 2 CALLIPER trial interim analysis of 203 patients, serum NfL levels were reduced by 22.4% (p=0.01, post hoc) after 24 weeks of vidofludimus calcium treatment compared to placebo, with consistent treatment effects across each progressive MS subtype, including primary progressive MS as well as active and non-active secondary progressive MS. The vidofludimus calcium group showed a 10% decrease in NfL versus a 20% increase for placebo among those with an Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) score ≤ 5.5; and a 2% decrease for vidofludimus calcium versus a 12% increase for placebo among those with an EDSS score >5.5. Similarly, among patients aged ≤ 45 years, the reduction was 11.6% for vidofludimus calcium versus a 15% increase for placebo, while for those aged > 55 years, it was a 10% decrease versus a 13% increase, respectively. The data suggest that vidofludimus calcium treatment consistently reduces NfL levels compared to placebo across different patient subgroups based on age and disability scores at baseline.
ePosters:
- Title: Exploring the Potential of Vidofludimus Calcium to Reduce Fatigue in Multiple Sclerosis by Preventing Epstein-Barr Virus Reactivation
- ePoster Number: P1119
Analysis of the antiviral activity of vidofludimus calcium in vitro revealed a dose-dependent reduction of lytic EBV reactivation in B cells and an anti-EBV effect in epithelial cells. Results of a post-hoc analysis of PCS symptoms in the phase 2 CALVID-1 trial indicated a potential contribution of vidofludimus calcium to the prevention of long-term fatigue. 80% of patients who received placebo reported fatigue compared to 50% who received 45 mg vidofludimus calcium. Fatigue decreased in both treatment groups in the next 9-17 weeks to 33% for placebo and 17% for vidofludimus calcium. A clinical signal for vidofludimus calcium on PCS fatigue was observed which might be related to EBV reactivation. By preventing this reactivation, vidofludimus calcium may contribute to fatigue reduction in MS patients as well. This hypothesis will be further assessed by determining effects on fatigue using patient questionnaires as well as analyses of the anti-EBV effect in the ongoing CALLIPER, ENSURE, and RAPID_REVIVE clinical trials.
- Title: Vidofludimus Calcium Activity on Nurr1 in Preclinical Models: A Potential Neuroprotective Function in Multiple Sclerosis
- ePoster Number: P1410
Vidofludimus calcium enhanced the expression of Nurr1 target genes important for neuronal survival, such as brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1), in a rat neuronal cell line. Additionally, it upregulated key Nurr1 target genes, such as tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) and vesicular monoamine transporter 2 (VMAT2), in human microglial and murine neuronal cell lines, which could contribute to neuronal protection. Vidofludimus calcium protected neurons under pro-apoptotic conditions, reduced gene expression of IL-6, TNFa and IFNg in human microglia stimulated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS), and increased BDNF levels in human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) stimulated with LPS. Vidofludimus calcium effectively attenuated disease severity in an experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) model. Treatment with vidofludimus calcium led to reduced immune cell infiltration, including decreased numbers of pathogenic T cells producing IL-17A, GM-CSF, and IFNγ. Preliminary data showed that mice receiving vidofludimus calcium exhibit elevated levels of BDNF in the blood and enhanced expression of Nurr1 and its target gene TH in the central nervous system.
- Title: Vidofludimus Calcium Shows T Helper Cell Modulatory Effects in Murine Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis: One of the Potential Mode of Action Pathways for MS Treatment
- ePoster Number: P1390
Vidofludimus calcium given prophylactically reduced disease severity and prevented disease development (63% and 15% symptom free in vidofludimus calcium and vehicle, respectively). This was reflected in the strong reduction of infiltrating T helper (Th) cells in the spinal cord as well as reduced numbers of proinflammatory Th cells in the periphery (draining lymph nodes, dLN). Vidofludimus calcium treatment, given after symptom onset, reduced disease progression compared to vehicle. This was supported by lower numbers of infiltrating proinflammatory Th cells into the spinal cord, while no significant difference was seen in the periphery compared to vehicle. The effect of vidofludimus calcium was assessed on myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG) antigen-specific Th cells (2D2) on day 7 after disease induction. Although vidofludimus calcium seems to increase MOG-specific follicular T helper (Tfh) cells in the periphery (dLN), the progression to develop into pathogenic Th cells was inhibited and the development of regulatory T cells was increased. Overall, vidofludimus calcium reduces or prevents development of pathogenic peripheral Th cells.
All poster presentations will be accessible on the "Events and Presentations" section of
About Vidofludimus Calcium (IMU-838)
Vidofludimus calcium is a small molecule investigational drug in development as an oral next-generation treatment option for patients with multiple sclerosis and other chronic inflammatory and autoimmune diseases. The selective immune modulator activates the neuroprotective transcription factor nuclear receptor related 1 (Nurr1), which is associated with direct neuroprotective properties. Additionally, vidofludimus calcium is a known inhibitor of the enzyme dihydroorotate dehydrogenase (DHODH), which is a key enzyme in the metabolism of overactive immune cells and virus-infected cells. This mechanism is associated with the anti-inflammatory and anti-viral effects of vidofludimus calcium. Vidofludimus calcium has been observed to selectively act on hyperactive T and B cells while leaving other immune cells largely unaffected and enabling normal immune system function, e.g., in fighting infections. To date, vidofludimus calcium has been tested in more than 1,800 individuals and has shown an attractive pharmacokinetic, safety and tolerability profile. Vidofludimus calcium is not yet licensed or approved in any country.
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Vice President Investor Relations and Communications
+49 89 2080 477 09
jessica.breu@imux.com
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+1 917 633 7790
immunic@rxir.com
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