Asahi Kasei Pharma Corp.
SBI Biotech Co., Ltd.
Asahi Kasei Pharma and SBI Biotech today announce that Asahi Kasei Pharma has initiated a Phase 1 study of AK1910 (SBI-3150), an anti-phospholipase D family member 4 (PLD4) antibody, in Japan.
AK1910 (SBI-3150) is a first-in-class monoclonal antibody that recognizes PLD4, which is specifically expressed by plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDCs)¹ and activated B cells², leading to immune suppression. AK1910 (SBI-3150) has potential to show less side effects and higher efficacy as a therapeutic drug for autoimmune diseases since it can target both pDCs and activated B cells which play an important role in various autoimmune diseases.
Asahi Kasei Pharma acquired the exclusive worldwide rights to develop, manufacture, and market AK1910 (SBI-3150) through a license agreement with SBI Biotech concluded in March 2020.
By providing a new therapeutic option for patients with autoimmune diseases through the development of AK1910 (SBI-3150), Asahi Kasei Pharma and SBI Biotech aim to contribute to human health and well-being around the world.
1 Immune cells that have been called the “conductor” of the immune system, pDCs are known to play an important role in the onset of autoimmune diseases.
2 A class of lymphocyte, B cells exhibit an immune effect by producing antibodies when activated by the presence of foreign antigens. It is known that the production of autoantibodies by activated B cells is related to autoimmune disorders.