Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE)
SLE is a chronic systemic autoimmune disease that affects the joints, kidney, mucus membrane and blood vessels. It is characterized by the presence of autoantibodies. SLE has several highly variable forms depending on symptoms. Arthritic and cutaneous symptoms are the most common. Symptoms can affect other organs such as kidney, heart, liver, blood vessels and nervous system. Disease progression is difficult to predict. In mild forms of SLE, the disease alternates between relapse/remission phases. In severe cases, symptoms can be permanent.
Epidemiology
In the US, 1.5 millions cases of lupus are reported. The prevalence of SLE in EU and in the US is comparable. It is comprised between 15 to 70 per 100,000 population. SLE is 9 times more prevalent in women than men. People of African lineage are globally more susceptible. In addition, the disease is found to occur more commonly in adults than children.
Disease management
SLE treatment is individualized and depends upon the organ involved and disease severity. For mild symptoms such as arthralgia and cutaneous manifestations, anti-malarials and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are the standard of care. For more severe forms, corticosteroids or cytotoxic agents are used. Immunosuppressant use is dependent on the patient response to other medications and the severity of the disease. Altogether, the current therapeutic options for treating SLE are not satisfying. The need for more efficient drugs with sustained beneficial effect allowing both alleviations of clinical symptoms and corticosteroids sparing is critical.
What does ILTOO Pharma bring?
ILT-101 (low dose IL2) is intended for patients with moderate to severe forms of SLE. Its pleiotropic effect: (i) stimulation of Tregs (control of autoimmunity), (ii) inhibition of Tfh (reduction of auto-antibodies production) and (iii) inhibition of Th17 cells-mediated immune response (control of inflammation), make it a promising treatment for balancing immune system and alleviating clinical manifestations of SLE.