Avalo Therapeutics, Inc. (Nasdaq: AVTX) announced the appointment
of Dr. Michael Croft and Dr. Jeff Edelson to the company’s
Scientific Advisory Board (SAB). The SAB, which is led by Dr. Carl
Ware, provides strategic and scientific guidance to Avalo as it
progresses its pipeline of therapies that target the
LIGHT-signaling network, notably AVTX-002 (anti-LIGHT mAb) and
AVTX-008 (BTLA agonist fusion protein).
Avalo’s SAB comprises (biographies below):
- Carl Ware, Ph.D., Chair of Avalo’s
SAB
- Michael Croft, Ph.D.
- Jeff Edelson, M.D.
“The addition of Drs. Croft and Edelson to our
SAB greatly strengthens our scientific core and further enhances
Avalo’s standing as a leader in the LIGHT-signaling pathway
immunoregulation,” said Dr. Garry Neil, Chief Executive Officer and
Chairman of the Board. “The members of our SAB, which is led by Dr.
Carl Ware, are world renowned experts and leaders in the industry
who have made pioneering contributions to the immunology field.
Their combined knowledge and expertise of the LIGHT-signaling
network, tumor necrosis factor superfamily, and inflammatory and
autoimmune disease, including asthma, is invaluable to our research
and development efforts. Their insights will be crucial to Avalo as
we approach a transformational topline data readout this quarter of
our Phase 2 PEAK trial of AVTX-002 in patients with
non-eosinophilic asthma.”
Biographies
Carl Ware, Ph.D. (Director and
Professor, Infectious and Inflammatory Diseases Center at Sanford
Burnham Prebys Medical Institute) is recognized for his extensive
research on the tumor necrosis factor (TNF) superfamily and its
role in immune responses. Throughout his career, he has focused on
unraveling the molecular mechanisms underlying TNF signaling and
its impact on inflammation, cell survival, and immune regulation.
Dr. Ware's studies have contributed to a better understanding of
TNF receptor signaling pathways and their implications in various
diseases, including cancer and autoimmune disorders. He is the
discoverer of the LIGHT-signaling network and Avalo’s two lead
compounds, AVTX-002 (anti-LIGHT mAb) and AVTX-008 (BTLA agonist
fusion protein).
At the Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery
Institute, Dr. Ware has held several prominent positions, including
his current position of Director of the Infectious and Inflammatory
Diseases Center. His work has resulted in numerous publications in
prestigious scientific journals, earning him international
recognition and numerous accolades for his scientific achievements.
Dr. Ware's research has not only provided insights into fundamental
immunological processes but also paved the way for the development
of therapeutic interventions targeting TNF-related pathways.
Michael Croft, Ph.D. (Director,
Academic Affairs and Professor, Center for Autoimmunity and
Inflammation at La Jolla Institute for Immunology) has made many
significant contributions to the field of immunology, particularly
in the area of T-cell biology. He has conducted pioneering research
on the tumor necrosis factor (TNF) superfamily, focusing on
understanding the functions and signaling pathways of these
proteins in immune regulation, inflammation, and the immune
response to cancer, including studies of LIGHT and its receptors
and their potential contribution to several inflammatory diseases
including asthma.
As a scientist at the La Jolla Institute for
Immunology, Dr. Croft has made groundbreaking discoveries in the
field of immune costimulatory/checkpoint molecules, including OX40,
4-1BB, LIGHT and others and their potential as therapeutic targets.
His work has shed light on the mechanisms by which these molecules
modulate T-cell responses and has paved the way for the development
of novel immunotherapies for autoimmune and inflammatory disease
and for cancer treatment.
Dr. Croft's research findings have been widely
published in top-tier scientific journals, and he has received
numerous honors and awards for his contributions to immunology. His
work continues to influence the field and holds promise for the
development of new strategies to suppress chronic inflammatory
diseases and enhance immune responses against cancer and infectious
diseases.
Jeff Edelson, M.D. greatly
strengthens our clinical and scientific team. He has conducted
extensive research in the areas of lung biology, immunotherapy, and
targeted therapies including asthma and other respiratory diseases.
His work has focused on understanding the molecular mechanisms
underlying lung inflammation, asthma, COPD as well as identifying
new therapeutic targets for lung disease and oncology. Through his
research, he has made notable discoveries that have improved our
understanding of lung biology and contributed to the development of
innovative treatment strategies. After a distinguished academic
career, he has held a number of leadership positions in both large
and small pharma including GSK, Aventis Pharma and J&J. In
these roles, he has played a pivotal role in the development and
clinical testing of several therapeutics. Dr. Edelson has extensive
experience in the design and execution of clinical trials,
evaluating the safety and efficacy of new drugs and treatment
approaches.
Throughout his career, Dr. Edelson has been
widely published in esteemed scientific journals, sharing his
research findings and insights with the scientific community. He
has also been actively involved in professional organizations and
has served on advisory boards and committees related to basic
research and drug development.
About AVTX-002AVTX-002, Avalo’s
lead development asset, is a fully human monoclonal antibody (mAb),
directed against human LIGHT (Lymphotoxin-like,
exhibits Inducible expression, and competes with
Herpes Virus Glycoprotein D for
Herpesvirus Entry Mediator (HVEM), a receptor
expressed by T lymphocytes). There is increasing
evidence that the dysregulation of the LIGHT-signaling network
which includes LIGHT, its receptors HVEM and LTβR and the
downstream costimulatory/checkpoint BTLA, is a disease-driving
mechanism in autoimmune and inflammatory reactions in barrier
organs. Therefore, we believe reducing LIGHT levels can moderate
immune dysregulation in many acute and chronic inflammatory
disorders, including NEA. AVTX-002 previously demonstrated proof of
concept in COVID-19 induced acute respiratory distress syndrome
including reduction in mortality and respiratory failure.
About AVTX-002 PEAK Trial The
Phase 2 PEAK Trial is a randomized, double-blind,
placebo-controlled, parallel group trial designed to evaluate the
safety and efficacy of AVTX-002 for the treatment of poorly
controlled NEA (NCT05288504). Following 12 weeks of treatment, the
efficacy and safety of AVTX-002 will be evaluated compared with
placebo. The primary endpoint is the proportion of patients who
experience any of the following asthma-related events: (i) ≥6
additional reliever puffs of a short-acting beta-agonist (compared
to baseline) in a 24-hour period on 2 consecutive days, or (ii)
increase in inhaled corticosteroid dose ≥4 times than the dose at
baseline, or (iii) a decrease in peak flow of 30% or more (compared
to baseline) on 2 consecutive days of treatment, or (iv) an asthma
exacerbation requiring the use of systemic corticosteroids
(tablets, suspension, or injection) for at least 3 days, or (v) a
hospitalization or emergency room visit because of an asthma
exacerbation.
About AVTX-008 AVTX-008 is a
fully human B and T Lymphocyte Attenuator (BTLA) agonist fusion
protein. IND-enabling activities have been initiated with a target
IND submission date in 2024.
About Avalo TherapeuticsAvalo
Therapeutics is a clinical stage biotechnology company focused on
the treatment of immune dysregulation by developing therapies that
target the LIGHT-signaling network. LIGHT
(Lymphotoxin-like,
exhibits Inducible expression, and competes
with HSV Glycoprotein D
for Herpesvirus Entry Mediator (HVEM), a
receptor expressed by T lymphocytes;
also referred to as TNFSF14) is an immunoregulatory cytokine. LIGHT
and its signaling receptors, HVEM (TNFRSF14), and lymphotoxin β
receptor (TNFRSF3), form an immune regulatory network with two
co-receptors of herpesvirus entry mediator,
costimulatory/checkpoint inhibitor B and T Lymphocyte Attenuator
(BTLA), and CD160 (the LIGHT-signaling network). Accumulating
evidence points to the dysregulation of the LIGHT-signaling network
as a disease-driving mechanism in autoimmune and inflammatory
reactions in barrier organs. Therefore, we believe reducing LIGHT
levels can moderate immune dysregulation in many acute and chronic
inflammatory disorders.
For more information about Avalo, please
visit www.avalotx.com.
Forward-Looking StatementsThis
press release may include forward-looking statements made pursuant
to the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.
Forward-looking statements are statements that are not historical
facts. Such forward-looking statements are subject to significant
risks and uncertainties that are subject to change based on various
factors (many of which are beyond Avalo’s control), which could
cause actual results to differ from the forward-looking statements.
Such statements may include, without limitation, statements with
respect to Avalo’s plans, objectives, projections, expectations and
intentions and other statements identified by words such as
“projects,” “may,” “might,” “will,” “could,” “would,” “should,”
“continue,” “seeks,” “aims,” “predicts,” “believes,” “expects,”
“anticipates,” “estimates,” “intends,” “plans,” “potential,” or
similar expressions (including their use in the negative), or by
discussions of future matters such as: the development of product
candidates or products; timing and success of trial results and
regulatory review; potential attributes and benefits of product
candidates; the future financial and operational outlook; and other
statements that are not historical. These statements are based upon
the current beliefs and expectations of Avalo’s management but are
subject to significant risks and uncertainties, including: drug
development costs, timing and other risks, including reliance on
investigators and enrollment of patients in clinical trials, which
might be slowed by COVID-19 or other widespread health events;
Avalo's debt and cash position and the need for it to raise
additional capital in the near future; reliance on key personnel;
regulatory risks; general economic and market risks and
uncertainties, including those caused by COVID-19 or other
widespread health events; and those other risks detailed in Avalo’s
filings with the SEC. Actual results may differ from those set
forth in the forward-looking statements. Except as required by
applicable law, Avalo expressly disclaims any obligations or
undertaking to release publicly any updates or revisions to any
forward-looking statements contained herein to reflect any change
in Avalo’s expectations with respect thereto or any change in
events, conditions or circumstances on which any statement is
based.
For media and investor
inquiries
Christopher Sullivan, CFO Avalo Therapeutics,
Inc.ir@avalotx.com410-803-6793
or
Chris BrinzeyICR
WestwickeChris.brinzey@westwicke.com339-970-2843
Avalo Therapeutics (NASDAQ:AVTX)
Historical Stock Chart
From Apr 2024 to May 2024
Avalo Therapeutics (NASDAQ:AVTX)
Historical Stock Chart
From May 2023 to May 2024