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Aviceda Therapeutics

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Overview

Aviceda Therapeutics is a private, clinical-stage biotechnology company based in Cambridge, Massachusetts. The company specializes in developing next-generation immunomodulators to address various diseases, with a particular focus on those involving the innate immune system and chronic, non-resolving inflammation.

Key Focus Areas

  • Glyco-Immune Therapeutics: Aviceda s proprietary Glyco-Code technology platform and High Affinity Ligands of Siglecs (HALOS™) nanotechnology are leveraged to modulate the innate immune response. This innovative approach targets glyco-immune checkpoints and exploits interactions between glycans and innate immune cells.

Therapeutic Pipeline

  1. Ophthalmology:
    • AVD-104: An intravitreal glycomimetic nanoparticle for geographic atrophy (GA) secondary to age-related macular degeneration. Currently in Phase 2b/3 clinical trials.
    • AVD-302: In development for diabetic retinopathy.
    • AVD-401: Targeting retinoblastoma.
  2. Other Indications:
    • AVD-601: Oncology
    • AVD-701: Neurology
    • AVD-801 and AVD-901: Fibrosis

Technology and Platforms

  1. Cell-Based High-Throughput Screening (HTS): Enables rapid screening, selection, and optimization of ligands with high affinity and specificity for innate immune cells.
  2. Nanoparticle Technology: Proprietary delivery system for therapeutics, exemplified by the glycan-coated nanoparticles in AVD-104.

Funding and Development

Aviceda recently secured $207.5 million in Series C financing to advance its lead program, AVD-104, into pivotal trials. This substantial funding was backed by prominent healthcare funds and investors, demonstrating strong confidence in the company s potential.

Leadership and Expertise

The company boasts a cross-disciplinary team of recognized scientists, clinicians, and drug developers. Following the Series C financing round, Aviceda expanded its board of directors with industry experts, further strengthening its leadership position. In conclusion, Aviceda Therapeutics is well-positioned to address a wide range of inflammatory, degenerative, and fibrotic diseases through its innovative glyco-immune therapeutics and advanced technology platforms. The company s robust pipeline, cutting-edge technology, and strong financial backing make it a notable player in the biotechnology industry.

Products & Solutions

Aviceda Therapeutics, a clinical-stage biotech company, focuses on developing novel glyco-immune therapeutics to modulate the innate immune system and address chronic non-resolving inflammation. Their key products and solutions include:

AVD-104

  • Lead clinical-stage ophthalmic candidate
  • Targets geographic atrophy (GA) secondary to age-related macular degeneration (AMD)
  • Intravitreal glycomimetic nanoparticle with dual mechanism of action:
    1. Repolarizes overactivated macrophages to reparative state
    2. Inhibits complement cascade amplification
  • Currently in Phase 2/3 clinical trial (SIGLEC trial)
  • Shown positive safety and efficacy outcomes, including substantial slowing of GA lesion growth and functional improvement in patients

Other Ophthalmology Products

  • AVD-302: Targeted at diabetic retinopathy
  • AVD-401: Targeted at retinoblastoma
  • AVD-104: Potential applications beyond GA in other eye diseases

Products in Other Therapeutic Areas

  • AVD-601: Focused on oncology
  • AVD-701: Focused on neurology
  • AVD-801: Focused on fibrosis

Technology Platform

Aviceda utilizes the proprietary HALOS™ nanotechnology platform for developing glyco-immune therapeutics. This platform enables the creation of highly selective ligands with maximum affinity and specificity for target immune cells and diseases.

Clinical Trials and Funding

Aviceda has secured $207.5 million in Series C financing to advance its clinical trials, particularly for AVD-104, which is moving into pivotal Phase 3 testing. In summary, Aviceda Therapeutics leverages glycobiology and advanced nanotechnology to develop innovative treatments across multiple therapeutic areas, with a strong focus on ophthalmology and immune modulation.

Core Technology

Aviceda Therapeutics' core technology revolves around the development of glyco-immune therapeutics (GITs) using their proprietary HALOS™ (High-Affinity Ligands of Siglecs) platform.

Key Components of HALOS™ Technology

  1. Siglecs: Sialic-Acid binding Immunoglobulin Like Lectins
    • Present on the surface of all immune cells
    • Regulate immune response through interactions with glyco-binding ligands
  2. Sialic Acid Mimetics (SAMs):
    • Synthetic ligands designed for higher binding affinity to Siglecs than natural ligands
    • Enable precise modulation of immune response, engaging both innate and adaptive immune cells
  3. High-Affinity Ligands:
    • Synthesized through a proprietary high-throughput screening library
    • Enable development of multivalent ligands targeting various immune cells with high specificity and affinity

Mechanism of Action

  • Interaction between synthetic ligands and Siglecs activates an intracellular biochemical cascade
  • Similar to PD-1/PD-L1 checkpoint pathway, but extends modulation to a broader range of immune cells
  • Allows precise targeting and modification of immune cell behavior

Applications

  • Treats a wide range of immune-dysfunction conditions
  • Targets ocular and systemic degenerative, immunologic, and inflammatory diseases
  • Lead candidate AVD-104 focuses on geographic atrophy associated with age-related macular degeneration (AMD)
  • Shows promise in other areas such as cardiovascular diseases and congenital disorders

Delivery Method

  • Therapeutics delivered via biodegradable nanoparticles
  • Safely and effectively targets immune-inflammatory conditions
  • Allows for specific and profound modulation of innate immune response In summary, Aviceda's HALOS™ technology platform represents a novel approach to immune modulation, leveraging glycobiology and nanotechnology to develop targeted therapeutics for a wide range of diseases.

Industry Peers

Aviceda Therapeutics, a clinical-stage biotechnology company, operates within the ophthalmology and immunomodulation sectors, with a particular focus on treatments for geographic atrophy and other inflammatory diseases. The following companies represent Aviceda's industry peers:

Ophthalmology and Geographic Atrophy Competitors

  1. Iveric Bio: Developing Zimura (avacincaptad pegol)
  2. Alkeus Pharmaceuticals: Working on ALK-001
  3. Allegro Ophthalmics: Developing Risuteganib
  4. Stealth BioTherapeutics: Focused on Elamipretide
  5. Novartis: Developing PPY988 and GT005 (in collaboration with Gyroscope Therapeutics)
  6. Apellis Pharmaceuticals: Developing APL-2
  7. Ionis Pharmaceuticals: Working on IONIS-FB-LRx

Immunomodulation and Biotechnology Peers

  1. Annexon: Developing ANX007 for geographic atrophy and other inflammatory conditions
  2. Genentech: Focused on OpRegen for geographic atrophy and other ophthalmic indications
  3. NGM Biopharmaceuticals: Developing NGM621 for geographic atrophy
  4. Astellas Pharma: Working on ASP7317 for geographic atrophy
  5. Gyroscope Therapeutics: Collaborating with Novartis on GT005 for geographic atrophy These companies are all involved in the development of novel therapies for geographic atrophy and related ophthalmic conditions, making them significant competitors and peers to Aviceda Therapeutics in the industry. The competitive landscape highlights the growing interest and investment in addressing age-related macular degeneration and other ocular diseases, with various approaches and technologies being explored to improve patient outcomes.

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