Our Technology

Introduction

The CD200 / CD200R axis, is a checkpoint pathway which offers a highly differentiated mechanism of action to control unwanted or exaggerated immune responses. Signalling via the CD200 Receptor pathway transmits a deactivating signal through the pro-inflammatory NF-κb pathway in activated immune cells only, thus regulating innate and adaptive immunity and restoring homeostasis. This approach is conceptually distinct from conventional immunomodulators which exploit blockade mechanisms to inhibit the action of proinflammatory molecules in all immune cells, including naïve cells.

Our lead indication is atopic dermatitis, which is supported by strong genetic linkage studies. More generally, CD200 agonists have the potential to expand into multiple inflammatory diseases, including  CNS disease mediated by chronic inflammation.

Our Technology

Our lead candidate CD200:Fc fusion has >100 fold increased affinity for (and > 100-fold residence time on) the CD200 receptor. We have demonstrated potent activity in functional cellular assays and in vivo disease models, as well as a long in vivo half-life (> 12 days) in cynomolgus monkeys. Our patent claims cover our increased affinity CD200 variants in a wide variety of fusion protein formats, and have been granted in multiple territories including the US and Japan.