Eledon Pharmaceuticals

CD40 targeted therapies in immunotherapy research focus on the CD40 receptor for treating various diseases, with no approvals yet but promising candidates in late-stage clinical development. First approval expected by 2027, with over 20 therapies in trials. Interest in CD40 targeting expands to cancer, infectious diseases, and neurodegenerative diseases. Antibody therapies dominate, with advanced candidates like Sanofi's Frexalimab and Alligator Bioscience's mitazalimab. Proprietary technologies like GenMab's DuoBody platform facilitate development. Major pharmaceutical companies like Amgen, Sanofi, and GenMab are key players, with collaborations advancing research.

Eledon Pharmaceuticals' tegoprubart, an anti-CD40L antibody, shows promise in Type 1 diabetes treatment and organ transplantation, potentially offering a safer immunosuppressive alternative to traditional drugs like tacrolimus.

Eledon Pharmaceuticals reports positive initial data from a University of Chicago study on tegoprubart, an anti-CD40L antibody, showing improved islet engraftment and insulin independence in type 1 diabetes patients undergoing islet transplantation. The treatment was well-tolerated, with no unexpected adverse events, suggesting tegoprubart's potential as a novel immunosuppression option.

S.P. reports research grants and consulting fees from various pharmaceutical companies and organizations. M.C. reports consulting fees and institutional research support from multiple entities and serves on the board of Praxis. B.H. and E.G. report no competing interests.

Marlaina Goedel, an Illinois woman, is one of three Americans cured of type 1 diabetes through a clinical trial involving islet cell transplantation. After 25 years of insulin dependence, Goedel no longer needs daily shots and can enjoy sugar again. The trial used a pioneering stem cell therapy and an experimental drug, tegoprubart, to prevent immune rejection. Goedel plans to return to school and ride her horse without diabetes-related worries.

First three islet transplant recipients treated with tegoprubart achieved insulin independence, with improved graft function and higher islet engraftment compared to standard care. Treatment was well-tolerated, and data will be presented at a medical summit.

Eledon Pharmaceuticals completed enrollment for its Phase 2 BESTOW trial four months ahead of schedule, aiming to assess tegoprubart's safety and efficacy in preventing kidney transplant rejection.