Acelyrin, Inc. has established a scientific and patient advisory board consisting of key opinion leaders and patient advocates in thyroid eye disease (TED) to support the advancement of lonigutamab into a Phase 3 clinical program. The trial is scheduled to begin in the first quarter of 2025.
The advisory board will offer strategic guidance and clinical expertise as Acelyrin progresses lonigutamab, a subcutaneously administered IgG1 monoclonal antibody targeting the insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) receptor, through its pivotal trial. According to Shephard (Shep) Mpofu, M.D., Chief Medical Officer of ACELYRIN, the board's collective insights will be invaluable in achieving the goal of delivering a potentially best-in-class subcutaneous anti-IGF-1R treatment for TED patients.
Advisory Board Composition
The newly formed advisory board includes experts such as:
- George J. Kahaly, MD, PhD, Professor of Medicine and Endocrinology Metabolism at the Johannes Gutenberg University Medical Center.
- Andrea Lora Kossler, MD, FACS, Associate Professor of Ophthalmology at Stanford University School of Medicine.
- Prem Subramanian, MD, PhD, Professor of Ophthalmology, Neurology, and Neurosurgery, University of Colorado School of Medicine.
- Shoaib Ugradar, MD, Department of Orbital and Oculoplastic Surgery, private practice.
- Christine Gustafson, Executive Director and CEO of the TED Community Organization.
About Thyroid Eye Disease
TED is an autoimmune condition affecting over 100,000 individuals in the United States. It causes inflammation and tissue expansion behind the eye, leading to proptosis and potential vision impairment. The disease can progress to double vision and optic nerve compression, potentially resulting in blindness.
Lonigutamab: A Novel Approach
Lonigutamab is a humanized IgG1 monoclonal antibody designed for subcutaneous delivery, targeting the IGF-1 receptor. Preclinical studies suggest that lonigutamab binds to a unique epitope, leading to rapid receptor internalization and demonstrating 75-fold greater potency compared to standard treatments. Its subcutaneous formulation allows for potentially longer and more convenient dosing, which may enhance the depth and duration of clinical response.
