On June 18, 2019 Kleo Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (Kleo), an immuno-oncology company developing next-generation synthetic bispecific compounds designed to emulate or enhance the activity of biologics, reported that CD38-ARM, a CD38 targeting antibody recruiting molecule (ARM) to treat multiple myeloma, will be its first product candidate to move into the clinic with anticipated human studies to commence in 2020 (Press release, Kleo Pharmaceuticals, JUN 18, 2019, View Source [SID1234537153]).
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CD38-ARM is designed to recruit endogenous antibodies to multiple myeloma cancer cells, targeting them for destruction by natural killer (NK) cells and macrophages. CD38 is a validated multiple myeloma target, which is also overexpressed in chronic lymphocytic leukemia and other cancers. The molecule was chosen after showing positive signals towards safety and efficacy in preclinical models. This is the first candidate to emerge from Kleo’s strategic alliance with PeptiDream Inc., (Tokyo:4587).
"We’re excited to announce CD38-ARM as the first clinical candidate for Kleo, which is also the first clinical candidate resulting from our collaboration agreement with PeptiDream," said Douglas Manion, MD, CEO of Kleo. "PeptiDream’s PDPS technology and Kleo’s ARM platform together have created a product candidate we intend to advance into the clinic next year. CD38-ARM is being developed to enhance, complement or replace currently marketed anti-CD38 multiple myeloma drugs through better safety and efficacy. We are hopeful CD38-ARM will be the first of a series of novel clinical candidates to emerge from our innovative development platforms."
"PeptiDream takes great pride in being a strong leader in transforming peptides into new effective treatment options using our Peptide Discovery Platform System (PDPS)," stated Patrick Reid, PhD, CEO of PeptiDream. "We are pleased to partner with Kleo in CD38-ARM’s advancement into the clinic recognizing its potential in becoming the next generation of first-in-class and best-in-class immunotherapies."