The company is working to move its CD47-targeting drug, ALX148, into Phase II development. Another company, Forty Seven, is also developing a CD47-targeting therapy. CD47 is an immune checkpoint distinct from the ones targeted by currently marketed cancer immunotherapy drugs.
The company has initiated a Phase II registration trial of a CAR-T that could compete against bluebird and Janssen. CEO Eric Ostertag noted it will dose the first patient in May or June.
Munck Wilson Mandala Partner Greg Howison shared his perspective on some of the legal ramifications around AI, IP, connected devices and the data they generate, in response to emailed questions.
The company joins a growing wave of firms developing drugs for the disease, which has no approved treatments. It expects to enter two drugs into the clinic next year.
The three West Coast venture firms are teaming up to build a stealth new startup called Nexcida Therapeutics. They are developing therapeutics for infectious disease, but haven't disclosed anything else.