NIMML Institute and NImmune Biopharma have announced the publication of a significant article detailing the mechanisms of action of NIM-1324, a LANCL2 agonist, in treating Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE). The research, published in the Journal of Immunology, highlights NIM-1324's potential to address unmet clinical needs for SLE patients through a novel immunometabolic pathway.
Novel LANCL2 Mechanism in SLE
The study elucidates a previously unknown mechanism of LANCL2 in phagocytes, which, in conjunction with its established functions in regulatory T cells (Tregs), reduces nuclear antigen reactivity, autoantibody production, and kidney histopathological scores in SLE models. This dual mechanism provides a comprehensive approach to modulating the immune system in SLE.
Dr. Josep Bassaganya-Riera, Founding Director of NIMML and CEO of NImmune, stated, "This paper describes for the first time an additional LANCL2 mechanism with direct effects on phagocytes. The consistent immunological changes observed across three SLE models validate the LANCL2 pathway as a druggable target for therapeutic intervention in inflammatory and autoimmune diseases."
NIM-1324: A Precision Medicine Approach
NIM-1324 is an orally available, systemically distributed small molecule that activates LANCL2. This activation enhances the anti-inflammatory capacity and stability of regulatory CD4+ T cells while supporting autophagy in phagocytes. Preclinical studies have shown that NIM-1324 reduces interferon-alpha production in SLE patient cells and protects against clinical disease and tissue pathology in mouse models of lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, and multiple sclerosis.
Preclinical Validation and Clinical Potential
The study used loss-of-function studies in vivo and evaluated the therapeutic efficacy of NIM-1324 in murine models of SLE, including NZB/W, MRL/lpr, and bm12 adoptive transfer models. Results indicated that NIM-1324 effectively engages the LANCL2 pathway, offering optimal therapeutic efficacy in SLE by addressing the underlying immunometabolic alterations of the disease.
NIM-1324 has completed Phase 1 clinical testing, meeting all endpoints and demonstrating a dose-proportional change in plasma exposure within the therapeutic range without accumulation, positioning it as a promising candidate for further clinical development.
Addressing Unmet Needs in SLE
SLE is a chronic autoimmune disorder affecting over 1.5 million people in the United States and 5 million worldwide. The disease causes systemic inflammation and organ damage, leading to a reduced quality of life and significant morbidity, including the need for kidney transplants in severe cases. With a high percentage of patients experiencing flares or persistently active disease, there is a significant unmet need for safer and more effective therapeutics.
TITAN-X Precision Medicine Platform
NImmune leveraged NIMML’s A.I.-powered TITAN-X precision medicine platform to develop NIM-1324. The TITAN-X platform integrates A.I. methodologies, bioinformatics, and advanced computational modeling to accelerate the development of precision medicines for autoimmune diseases. By analyzing gene expression patterns and integrating clinical data, the platform identifies responder patterns, facilitating precision medicine approaches for drug development.
