Aptahem announces strengthened research results with Apta-1 from completed NHP study

2019-10-11

Aptahem (publ) today announce positive final results from the exploratory sepsis study with non human primates, the NHP study. The new preclinical results continue to support Apta-1’s multifunctional drug candidate potential within the treatment of sepsis. The completed comprehensive study report contributes to further in-depth knowledge of Apta-1’s mechanism of action and preliminary opens up new patent opportunities.

The results of the NHP study have contributed to an increased understanding of the anticoagulant, anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects that Apta-1 previously demonstrated. The NHP study has shown that Apta-1 has the ability to both directly and indirectly affect the mechanisms that lead to a positive change in health for the Apta-1-treated animals through the now further clarified mechanisms of action. These results add new effects and confirm the findings in previous preclinical studies strengthening Apta-1’s position as a potential sepsis drug.

One of the new effects the study showed was that Apta-1 acts pro-fibrinolytically, which is important for keeping the coagulation system in balance where Apta-1 regulates the tPA / PAI-1 * complex and means that Apta-1 has a blood clot-dissolving effect. The results have also shown that Apta-1 has the ability to promote a natural repair of damaged tissue. These two discoveries together show Apta-1’s potential in preventing blood vessel clotting and also preventing blood vessel damage caused by blood clots as well as preventing vessel leakage and bleeding.

An additional discovery from the NHP study is Apta-1’s ability to stimulate increased production of protein that helps the body to clear damaged or dead cells (apoptosis). This indicates preliminary that Apta-1 may play an important role as protection against autoimmune diseases.

Aptahem intends to evaluate these new effects in more detail.

Mikael Lindstam, CEO at Apathem, comments: “This is very good and confirmatory news about Apta-1’s ability to potentially be an excellent drug candidate in sepsis. The significantly expanded knowledge described in the report strengthens our conviction of Apta-1’s positive qualities. Aptahem’s argumentation base is significantly strengthened towards potential partners, licensees and also continued academic work, as well as value through possible new patent applications.”

Luiza Jedlina, CSO at Aptahem and the architect behind all the studies of Apta-1, continues “The now reported study has given us a much better picture of Apta-1’s function. It is gratifying to be able to state that we can now confirm what we noted in previous studies, namely to see the clear effects of survival and increased health also in primates.”

The company will in the coming future investigate additional patent opportunities based on these new research results. Furthermore, more complete study results will be submitted for publication in international scientific journals.

* tPA (tissue Plasminogen Activator)/PAI-1 (Plasminogen Activator Inhibitor-1)

For further information:
Aptahem AB
Mikael Lindstam, CEO
Tel: 0766-33 36 99
E-mail: ml@aptahem.com

This information is information that Aptahem AB is obliged to make public according to the EU Market Abuse Regulation. The information was provided through the agency of the contact persons above, for publication on October 11, 2019.

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.