The biotechnology companies Digna Biotech and Biotherapix (business of group Genetrix), both of national capital, have signed an agreement agreement to try to jointly apply two products in the treatment of pulmonary fibrosis. As is known, Digna Biotech is developing the intellectual property (patents) generated by the CIMA of the University of Navarra at the preclinical, clinical and commercial level.

The basis of agreement focuses on Biotherapix's M3 protein and Digna Biotech's p17 peptide. These two compounds are expected to act in concert, taking advantage of the chemokine inhibitory activity of M3 and the specific TGF-beta1 inhibitory activity of p17. Both TGF-beta1 and chemokines are molecules core topic in various inflammatory and degenerative processes. The researchers are confident that this combined action will provide a real therapeutic alternative for pulmonary fibrosis.

The two companies, which will share the costs and benefits of this cooperation, will invest 3 million euros over the next 4 years to finance development up to the clinical phase. In addition, they will conduct a preclinical study to establish the potential of these products in combination, including programs of study dose-response with Digna Biotech's animal models and the design of M3-derived compounds by Biotherapix.

The necessary programs of study for the development of the p17 peptide and the M3 protein will be preferably performed in centers of the University of Navarra: the CIMA, the University Clinic and the CIFA (research center in Applied Pharmacobiology).

Combination of p17 peptide and M3 protein

The causes of pulmonary fibrosis, which is characterized by an abnormal accumulation of collagen fibers in the lung that deteriorate its structure, are poorly understood. This damage causes progressive scarring of the lungs, making it difficult to assimilate oxygen and thus to breathe. European authorities now consider pulmonary fibrosis to be a rare disease, with a prevalence of 13 to 20 cases per 100,000 inhabitants in women and men, respectively.

There are no effective treatments for this disease. Current treatments are based on the administration of oxygen and anti-inflammatory drugs (glucocorticoids) associated or not with immunosuppressants. These therapies have limited success in reducing fibrotic progression and contribute little to improving the quality of life of those affected.

The p17 peptide has been shown to be effective in the model animal that best reproduces pulmonary fibrosis. Work is currently underway to confirm this data in other models and to initiate toxicological programs of study . M3 is a protein of viral origin that has shown neutralizing activity against a wide range of molecules belonging to the chemokine family. Biotherapix is investigating the use of derivatives of this molecule to curb inflammatory processes in which chemokines are core topic. M3 sample has advantages over other therapeutic biologic molecules, such as its inhibitory activity against multiple chemokines and its leave toxicity.

Regarding the alliance between the two biotechs, Dr. Pablo Ortiz, director general manager of Digna Biotech, highlighted the convenience of joining efforts in biomedical research . For her part, Dr. Cristina Garmendia, president of group Genetrix, expressed her satisfaction with the new partnership: "It is an important milestone in the Spanish biotechnology sector and contributes to accelerate the development of new therapeutic alternatives in which both companies are interested".