PARAMUS, N.J., Oct. 15, 2019 /PRNewswire/ --
- Ichnos Sciences is a new biotechnology company which is a
spin-off of Glenmark Holding SA created to focus on
innovation
- Pipeline includes five novel, first-in-class clinical-stage
assets in oncology, autoimmune disease and pain
- Company assets include: BEAT®
(Bispecific Engagement by
Antibodies based on the T cell receptor), a
proprietary platform; a development site, two research centers; a
GMP biologics manufacturing facility and ~350 employees
worldwide
Ichnos ('īk-nōz) Sciences officially opened its doors to the
world today as an independent, fully integrated, global biotech
company. A spin-off of Glenmark Holding SA, a global pharmaceutical
company with a track-record of improving patients' lives by
providing affordable medicines, the newly formed company was first
approved in principle by the Glenmark Board of Directors in
February 2019 and now operates with
its own board of directors and executive team. Former Gilead
executive, Alessandro Riva, MD, is
CEO of Ichnos Sciences.
"Ichnos Sciences takes its name from an ancient Greek word that
means 'footprint,' and is dedicated to transforming how people
think about and treat cancer, autoimmune disease and pain, and to
leaving an imprint on the lives of those affected by disease," Dr.
Riva said. "The Company takes a holistic, disease-centric approach
to research, has been structured to work faster, smarter and more
collaboratively to accelerate development and quickly bring new
treatments to patients."
Ichnos Sciences, headquartered in Paramus, N.J., launches with a firm global
footprint that includes two research centers (Biologics in
Switzerland and small molecules in
Mahape, Navi Mumbai, India), a
development site (Paramus, N.J.)
and a GMP biologics manufacturing facility (Switzerland). Approximately 350 employees work
at the Company and are dedicated to accelerating candidates in the
pipeline toward commercialization.
Ichnos Sciences' current pipeline includes three new biological
entities (NBE) and two new chemical entities (NCE) in various
stages of development across oncology, autoimmune disease and pain.
The immuno-oncology biologics pipeline is developed through the
Company's proprietary BEAT® (Bispecific Engagement by
Antibodies based on the T cell receptor) platform.
GBR 1342, the Company's CD38xCD3 bispecific antibody (bsAb)
under development for relapsed & refractory multiple myeloma,
was recently granted orphan drug designation by the U.S. Food and
Drug Administration.
Overall, Ichnos Sciences' goals are to:
- Rapidly advance its pipeline of clinical-stage assets. Key
readouts for four of its five pipeline candidates are expected
starting in 2020
- Invest in NBE and NCE discovery in oncology and autoimmune
disease to develop next generation of biologics and small
molecules
"We are building on the contributions of those who came before
while paving a new path forward," Dr. Riva said. "We will imprint
our mark forever by transforming the way we treat diseases. We dare
to imagine a world where cure is possible."
Ichnos Sciences is in the process of obtaining all the necessary
statutory, legal, corporate and regulatory approvals for completion
of the spin-off, which is expected to occur in the first quarter of
calendar year 2020.
About the Ichnos Sciences Pipeline
Ichnos Sciences is setting a new standard for drug development
by advancing proprietary, innovative technologies that bring an
entirely new approach to treating disease. Its current pipeline
includes:
Oncology: Two assets in Phase 1 clinical development: GBR
1302, a HER2xCD3 bsAb, is being evaluated for HER2 positive breast
cancer and GBR 1342, a CD38xCD3 bsAb, is being studied for multiple
myeloma. Data readouts for both candidates are expected in
2021.
Autoimmune Disease: GBR 830, an anti-OX40 monoclonal
antibody and the Company's lead biologic candidate, is currently in
Phase 2b clinical development for the
treatment of moderate to severe atopic dermatitis and data readout
is expected in 2020. Based on an entirely new mechanism of action,
GBR 830 has the potential for additional development beyond atopic
dermatitis.
Pain: Two assets in clinical studies: GRC 27864, a
non-opioid, potent, selective and orally bioavailable inhibitor of
microsomal prostaglandin E synthase-1 (mPGES-1), is currently being
evaluated in Phase 2b clinical
development for osteoarthritic pain with data readout expected in
2020. GRC 17536, a non-opioid TRPA1 antagonist, has completed a
Phase 2a proof of concept study in patients with painful diabetic
peripheral neuropathy.
About Ichnos Sciences
A fully integrated,
global biotech with the spirit of a start-up, Ichnos Sciences is
shifting the way the world thinks about innovation in medicine
through its research and development of transformative,
disease-centric treatments in oncology, autoimmune disease and
pain. The Company, with headquarters in Paramus, N.J., is rapidly advancing a
clinical-stage pipeline of novel, first-in-class candidates
designed to address complex diseases and treat patients
holistically. With a patented BEAT® technology platform along with
pioneering teams in Switzerland
and India, Ichnos Sciences has a
mission to provide breakthrough, curative therapies that will
hopefully extend and improve lives, writing a new chapter in
healthcare. For more information, visit IchnosSciences.com.
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