20 February 2019 - - US-based Forbius, a clinical-stage company that develops biologics for the treatment of cancer and fibrosis, has inked a collaboration agreement with the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai and the Myeloproliferative Neoplasm Research Consortium (MPN-RC), the company said.

This collaboration will launch an investigator-initiated trial evaluating AVID200, a highly potent and isoform-selective TGF-beta inhibitor, as a potential treatment for myelofibrosis. The Phase 1/2 clinical trial will be sponsored by the MPN-RC with NIH grant support and is expected to start during Q1 2019.

Forbius is evaluating the immuno-oncology and anti-fibrotic effects of AVID200 in Phase 1 trials, including solid tumors and systemic sclerosis.

Additionally, Forbius is expanding the AVID200 clinical development program by supporting IITs through the provision of drug, scientific input, and collaboration on the conduct of translational studies. Additional details pertaining to the prospective IIT in MF will be disclosed in due course.

The MPN-RC was founded in 2006 and is the only independent, multi-center, international consortium of scientists and clinicians that is dedicated to developing novel therapeutic strategies for MF and other myeloproliferative neoplasms.

The MPN-RC is funded by the NIH to conduct clinical trials based on the most promising preclinical MPN research. The goal of the consortium is to adapt quickly in response to scientific advances and a changing clinical landscape, in order to develop effective therapeutics for MPN patients.

AVID200 is an isoform-selective and highly potent inhibitor of TGF-beta 1 and 3, the two principal pro-fibrotic TGF-beta isoforms. These TGF-beta isoforms are central regulators in the pathogenesis and progression of fibrotic diseases, including MF (Chagraoui et al., 2002). AVID200 was rationally designed to be minimally active against TGF-beta 2, which is a promoter of hematopoiesis and normal cardiac function.

This optimal selectivity positions AVID200 to be an effective and well-tolerated therapeutic in MF and other fibrotic diseases.

Forbius is a clinical-stage protein engineering company that designs and develops biotherapeutics for the treatment of fibrosis and cancer. Its current focus is the development of agents targeting the transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) and epidermal growth factor receptor pathways.