Lipum Secures €8 Million EU Grant for Phase 2 Rheumatoid Arthritis Trial of Novel BSSL-Targeting Antibody
Key Insights
Lipum AB has been selected for an €8 million grant from the EU's Horizon Europe Research and Innovation Programme to support a Phase 2 clinical proof-of-concept study of SOL-116 for moderate to severe rheumatoid arthritis (search).
SOL-116 is a humanized monoclonal antibody (search) targeting Bile Salt-Stimulated Lipase (search) (BSSL), representing a novel therapeutic target and mechanism of action for treating chronic inflammation (search) in rheumatoid arthritis (search).
The non-dilutive funding will accelerate clinical development for a condition affecting approximately 18 million people worldwide, with current treatments primarily addressing symptoms rather than underlying causes.
Lipum AB, a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company, has been selected for an €8 million grant from the European Union's Horizon Europe Research and Innovation Programme to advance its novel rheumatoid arthritis (search) treatment into Phase 2 clinical trials. The funding, pending final negotiations, will support a clinical proof-of-concept study of SOL-116, the company's humanized monoclonal antibody (search) targeting a previously unexplored therapeutic pathway.
Novel Therapeutic Target for Chronic Inflammation
SOL-116 represents a significant departure from current rheumatoid arthritis (search) treatments by targeting Bile Salt-Stimulated Lipase (search) (BSSL), a novel therapeutic target identified by Lipum. This approach offers a new mechanism of action for treating chronic inflammation (search), potentially addressing underlying disease mechanisms rather than merely managing symptoms.
"We are very pleased to have been selected for this non-dilutive funding from Horizon Europe," said Ola Sandborgh, CEO of Lipum. "Being chosen from a highly competitive field of innovative European companies further validates our scientific approach and underscores the potential of SOL-116 to improve outcomes for people living with rheumatoid arthritis (search)."
Addressing Significant Unmet Medical Need
Rheumatoid arthritis (search) affects up to 1% of the global population, corresponding to approximately 18 million people worldwide. The chronic autoimmune disorder causes the immune system to attack joint linings, resulting in painful swelling, stiffness, and symmetrical joint damage. While primarily affecting hands and wrists, the condition can cause deformity and affect organs including the lungs and heart.
Current medications primarily reduce symptoms but do not address the underlying cause of the disease. Early diagnosis and treatment with disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) are crucial to prevent permanent damage, highlighting the need for more effective therapeutic approaches.
European Consortium and Clinical Development
Lipum leads the consortium alongside three European partners under the Horizon Europe call "Boosting the translation of biotech research into innovative health therapies." The initiative is designed to accelerate the translation of promising biotech research into clinical development and deliver faster access to innovative therapies for healthcare providers, researchers, and patients.
The company has already completed a successful Phase 1 study of SOL-116, providing a solid foundation for the upcoming Phase 2 proof-of-concept study in moderate to severe rheumatoid arthritis (search) patients. This clinical progress, combined with strong preclinical data, supports the continued development of the novel therapeutic approach.
Strategic Implications and Future Outlook
The non-dilutive funding provides significant strategic advantages for Lipum's development timeline and financial position. Ted Fjällman, CEO of Flerie AB (search), Lipum's largest shareholder, emphasized the validation this represents: "The fact that the consortium led by Lipum has secured this EUR 8 million grant is a testament to the scientific excellence and the capacity to deliver significant innovations to patients. This non-dilutive funding boosts Lipum's financial stability and speeds up clinical development, generating benefits for both patients and shareholders."
The Horizon Europe Health initiative aims to strengthen the competitiveness of small and medium-sized enterprises from the EU and Associated Countries within the health biotech sector while ensuring more clinical trials are conducted with new biotech therapeutic approaches within the European Union.
Lipum, based in Umeå, Sweden, continues to explore other inflammatory diseases with high unmet medical need beyond rheumatoid arthritis (search), leveraging its unique approach to BSSL targeting that has attracted international attention, including previous European Commission Horizon 2020 funding.