Aptahem’s cooperation with Seattle Children’s Hospital increases the understanding of Apta-1
Aptahem (publ), a biotechnology company that develops aptamer-based pharmaceuticals for the treatment of life-threatening conditions in which a combination of coagulation and inflammation are involved, announces today that the cooperation with the Seattle Children’s Hospital has now generated the first results. The report shows results in which the so-called Gold Standard sepsis model is used, CLP (Cecal Legation and Puncture). The model is based on bacteria being allowed to grow under very severe conditions for the organism by letting the intestine leak into the abdominal cavity. The results come from a pilot study in which Apta-1 was studied under conditions as similar as possible to those of a true sepsis situation. The pilot study will now be followed up with a much larger study.
The results indicate good effect of Apta-1 on counteracting a sepsis-like sequence. The study shows a preliminary trend in which Apta-1 lowers the bacterial content in the vascular blood system, which means, for example, that a bacterial infection can be counteracted systematically, while a reduction of inflammatory cells has been observed. In future studies, more severe sepsis will be evaluated, several doses of Apta-1 will be administered and additional markers will be examined.
Another part of the study has focussed on studying the mast cells. These cells drive allergic and asthmatic reactions, but also many immunological diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and multiple sclerosis (MS), as well as some forms of cancer. Results on mast cells show that Apta-1 has an inhibiting role on the secreting granulates of the mast cells.
In general, the studies which Seattle Children’s Hospital conducts are not only focussed on understanding how one can counteract the sepsis sequence, but also on factors which cannot normally be associated with sepsis, but nevertheless may play a major role.
“These are further important results that show the potential effect and unique function of Apta-1 on sepsis, for example, which gives us further understanding in the planning of the clinical development programme in the future,” says Mikael Lindstam, CEO of Aptahem. “We are not surprised, so it is satisfying to see Apta-1’s ability to inhibit the severe development of a disease and the deeper insight as to why Apta-1 has such a unique and potential effect on sepsis-like conditions.”
Seattle Children’s Hospital is currently preparing for more extensive studies on this animal model.
For further information:
Aptahem AB
Mikael Lindstam, CEO
Tel: +46 (0) 766-33 36 99
E-mail: ml@aptahem.com
This information is information which Aptahem AB (publ) is obliged to publish under the EU Market Abuse Regulation. The information was provided by the auspices of the above contact person, for publication on 11 June 2019.
Forward-looking statements
This communication contains forward-looking statements, consisting of subjective assumptions and forecasts for future scenarios. Predictions for the future only apply as of the date they are made and are, by their nature, as is research and development work in the biotechnology segment, associated with risk and uncertainty. With this in mind, the actual outcome may deviate significantly from the scenarios as described in this press release.
About Aptahem
Aptahem AB (APTA) is a biotechnology company that develops aptamer-based pharmaceuticals for the treatment of life-threatening conditions in which a combination of coagulation and inflammation are involved. The company’s primary pharmaceutical candidate, Apta-1, is being developed with the aim of preventing the high mortality rate caused by organ and tissue damage in sepsis patients, among others. The company possesses patent protection in strategic target markets and actively seeks business development opportunities with potential collaborators.