Affibody partnered with ACELYRIN to develop and commercialise izokibep, a bispecific molecule targeting interleukin-17A (IL-17), for multiple autoimmune diseases.
Izokibep is an antibody mimetic, IL-17A inhibitor designed to overcome the limitations of monoclonal antibodies. With extraordinary potency and small molecular size, izokibep can reach high drug exposure levels through a single subcutaneous injection that monoclonal antibodies require IV administration to achieve. In addition, the molecule’s small size—about a tenth the size of a monoclonal antibody—also enables its potential to reach targeted tissues that may otherwise be inaccessible to the much larger monoclonal antibodies.
“As the innovators of izokibep, we’re honoured to work with ACELYRIN to unlock this molecule’s potential and address promising new indications and solve unmet needs. In addition, we look forward to working with the ACELYRIN team to select additional targets and build new programs, in parallel with the development of izokibep. The partnership agreement with ACELYRIN has potential to bring us revenues of more than USD 300 million plus royalties, and complements our established partnership with Inmagene”, said David Bejker, CEO, Affibody.
More than 300 patients have been dosed with izokibep to date, many for up to three years. These data confirm the safety profile of izokibep and support the strategy of fully evaluating IL-17A inhibition in pursuit of transformative efficacy across many disease states.
“We are excited about this partnership with Affibody and look forward to rapidly advancing the late-phase development of izokibep. We aim to demonstrate the potential for differentiation of izokibep within the class of IL-17 inhibitors with its well-understood mechanism of action, both by unlocking new indications as well as achieving differentiated efficacy in existing blockbuster indications, where significant unmet needs persist.” said Shao-Lee Lin, co-founder and CEO of ACELYRIN.
