ROCHESTER, N.Y., Jan. 7, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Vaccinex, Inc. announced today that it has initiated a Phase 1 clinical trial to assess the safety, tolerability and pharmacokinetics of therapeutic antibody candidate VX15/2503 in patients with multiple sclerosis.
VX15/2503 is a novel humanized monoclonal antibody targeting the multi-functional protein semaphorin 4D (SEMA4D), and represents the second clinical trial for this investigational drug. Signaling cascades initiated by SEMA4D regulate activation and migration of inflammatory cells, inhibit remyelination, and disrupt endothelial tight junctions leading to breakdown of the blood-brain barrier. Each of these mechanisms is known to contribute to the severity and progression of neuroinflammatory/neurodegenerative diseases including multiple sclerosis. Studies in multiple animal models have shown that anti-SEMA4D antibody can successfully ameliorate disease severity.
Dr. Maurice Zauderer, President and Chief Executive Officer of Vaccinex, said: “It is particularly gratifying for Vaccinex to translate into the clinic the first therapeutic to target this important new class of regulatory molecules. Research in our own and other laboratories has shown that the multiple activities of SEMA4D have a coordinated detrimental effect on progression of neurological diseases, several types of cancer, and some other inflammatory and/or degenerative conditions. Vaccinex is currently completing a parallel trial of VX15/2503 antibody in patients with solid tumors and plans to continue to advance studies of the therapeutic benefit of this unique and novel agent.”
About Vaccinex, Inc.
Founded in 1997 and located in Rochester, NY, Vaccinex, Inc. is a privately held clinical-stage biotechnology company engaged in the discovery and development of human therapeutic monoclonal antibodies and vaccines to treat serious diseases with unmet needs, including cancer, multiple sclerosis, and other autoimmune diseases. www.vaccinex.com.
Press Contact
Raymond E. Watkins, Chief Operating Officer, Vaccinex, Inc.
+1.585.271.2700
SOURCE Vaccinex, Inc.
