Details from the Modus Therapeutics press release follow:
The poster entitled: Sevuparin Blocks Sickle Blood Cell Adhesion and Sickle-Leukocyte Rolling on Immobilized L-Selectin in a Dose Dependent Manner covers a study, focusing on microfluidic flow-based functional blood analysis, conducted by Modus Therapeutics in a research collaboration with Functional Fluidics LLC of Detroit in the U.S.
In patients with SCD it has been shown that the cause and continuation of vaso-occlusion are fueled by the sickle red blood cells’ interactions with multiple other cell populations, promoting inflammation, obstructing the vasculature, and injuring the endothelium, leading to broad manifestations that affect most vital organs.
The data presented at ASH showed that sevuparin acts in a multicellular manner, blocking both firm adhesion by sickle red blood cells and L-selectin-mediated rolling adhesion of sickle-leukocytes, as well as functionally by interacting with another key adhesion receptor VCAM-1.
These results provide further insights into sevuparin’s multimodal action and its potential clinical benefits in treating the complex mechanisms manifested in vaso-occlusion and complications in SCD.
The poster will be presented on Sunday, December 4, 2016 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm PDT in Hall GH at the San Diego Convention Center.
Sevuparin is currently being evaluated in a clinical PII study in acute vaso-occlusive crisis in hospitalized SCD patients ( NCT02515838 ). In addition, Modus Therapeutics is planning to conduct a further clinical study to evaluate sevuparin for early treatment of symptoms of vaso-occlusion in an at-home setting.
For further information, please contact: Jim Van heusden, CEO, Karolinska Development AB Phone: +46 72 858 32 09, e-mail: jim.van.heusden@karolinskadevelopment.com
Christian Tange, CFO, Karolinska Development AB Phone: +46 73 712 14 30, e-mail: christian.tange@karolinskadevelopment.com
David Dible/Mark Swallow/Pip Batty, Citigate Dewe Rogerson Phone: +44 20 7638 9571; e-mail: KDev@citigatedr.co.uk
TO THE EDITORS
About Modus Therapeutics
Modus Therapeutics is a clinical-stage drug development company developing new pharmaceutical therapies to restore impaired blood flow and oxygen transport in rare diseases with large unmet medical need. The Company’s most advanced candidate, sevuparin, is currently being evaluated in a Phase II clinical trial in sickle cell disease (SCD). Repeated painful crises in SCD, so called vaso-occlusive crises (“VOC”), leads to loss of vital organ function and often significantly reduced life span. Modus Therapeutics is based in Stockholm. The Company's major shareholders are KDev Investments AB (an investment fund jointly owned by Karolinska Development AB and Rosetta Capital), Östersjöstiftelsen (The Foundation for Baltic and East European Studies), and Praktikerinvest PE AB. For more information, please visit www.modustx.com
About Karolinska Development AB Karolinska Development AB is an investment company focused on identifying medical innovation and investing in the creation and growth of companies developing these assets into differentiated products that will make a difference to patients’ lives and provide an attractive return on investment.
Karolinska Development has access to world-class medical innovations at the Karolinska Institutet and other leading universities and research institutes in the Nordic region. The Company aims to build companies around scientists who are leaders in their fields, supported by experienced management teams and advisers, and co-funded by specialist international investors, to provide the greatest chance of success.
Karolinska Development has established a portfolio of 10 companies targeting opportunities in innovative treatment for life-threatening or serious debilitating diseases.
The Company is led by a team including investment professionals with strong venture capital backgrounds, experienced company builders and entrepreneurs, with access to a strong global network.
For more information, please visit www.karolinskadevelopment.com
