Autoimmune diseases and inflammatory disorders (ADs)
ADs are a broad range of related diseases in which a person’s immune system produces an inappropriate response against its own cells, tissues and/or organs, resulting in inflammation and damage.
There are as many as 80 types of ADs. Some ADs affect mainly one part of the body (such as multiple sclerosis, autoimmune thyroid disease, type 1 diabetes) whilst others affect many parts of the body at the same time (such as systemic lupus erythematosus, rheumatoid arthritis and systemic vasculitis).
ADs represent a major public health concern as it affects 1 people out of 12 worldwide. It strikes 3 times more women than men. It is the 3rd cause of morbidity in the world.
ADs are chronic conditions with no cure. Treatment involves attempts to control the process of the disease and to decrease the symptoms, especially during flare-ups. The total health care costs for ADs are estimated at $120 billion annually in the US.
LACK OF SATISFYING THERAPEUTIC OPTIONS
Current treatments include the use of corticosteroids, immunosuppressants or immunomodulators. The use of these treatments is limited by important side effects, which subsequently limit their therapeutic value. For example:
- Prolonged use of corticosteroids favors osteoporosis, may induce diabetes, and increases infection risk
- Classical immunosuppressants contribute to infection risk and favor the onset of different cancers (e.g. myelodysplasia)
- Anti-TNF drugs use increases risk of infections and malignancies
There is a crucial medical need for new treatment options targeting ADs with better benefit/risk ratio.
BALANCING THE IMMUNE SYSTEM TO TREAT ADs
ADs onset is related to immune imbalance between regulatory T cells (Tregs) and effector T cells (Teffs), widely recognized as a key driver of ADs pathophysiology. By acting on a targeted manner on Tregs without affecting Teffs, ILT-101 (low dose IL2) is intended to balance the immune system, reinstate immune homeostasis and stop the progression of the disease. On this basis, ILT-101 has a huge therapeutic potential in ADs. ILTOO Pharma has defined Type-1 diabetes (T1D) and Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) as the two priority diseases to demonstrate its clinical benefit.