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Expanding the frontier of fibrotic treatments through the power of genetics –
Our team uncovered a novel target capable of modifying the outcome of fibrotic diseases.
We identified genetic signals that regulate muscle disease progression by combining quantitative trait loci mapping with genome-wide mapping. We established that latent TGF-β binding protein 4 (LTBP4) has a key role in modulating fibrosis deposition, as LTBP4 inhibits activation of latent transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β), a well-known regulator that promotes fibrosis formation.
Excess TGF-β activity drives fibrosis. After injury and in chronic disease states, locally active proteases cleave latent TGF-β binding protein 4 (LTBP4). LTBP4 is an extracellular matrix protein that restricts TGF-β activation by sequestering latent TGF-β, forming the large latent complex. Cleavage of LTBP4 releases and activates latent TGF-β, resulting in fibrosis.
How Ikaika’s technology, the IKN-001 antibody, works:
The IKN-001 antibody binds to LTBP4 and protects its hinge region from cleavage by local proteases that are released upon tissue injury. IKN-001 blocks local proteases from accessing and cleaving the LTBP4 hinge. As a result, TGF-β remains sequestered in an inactive state, which prevents fibrosis accumulation, improving tissue function.
Ikaika Therapeutics is developing first-in-class antibodies with an active pipeline targeting fibrotic diseases, including muscular dystrophy. Download our non-confidential deck to read more:
