Artax Biopharma

Artax Biopharma, Inc. is a clinical-stage biotechnology firm established in 2013, with its headquarters in Cambridge, Massachusetts. The company was co-founded by Dr. Damià Tormo and Dr. Balbino Alarcón. Dr. Tormo, who also served as the initial CEO, has an extensive background in the biopharmaceutical industry, venture capital, and has founded several other biotech companies. His scientific journey began as a researcher at institutions like the University of Michigan and the Spanish National Cancer Center (CNIO). Dr. Alarcón is a distinguished immunologist whose research on T cell receptor (TCR) signaling at the National Research Council of Spain (CSIC) provided the foundational science for Artax. His lab's discovery that the TCR changes conformation upon stimulation, exposing a site that recruits the Nck protein, was a pivotal breakthrough that underpins the company's therapeutic approach.

Artax Biopharma is focused on developing a new class of oral small molecules for the treatment of T cell-driven autoimmune and inflammatory diseases. The company operates in the biopharmaceutical market, aiming to provide therapies for conditions such as psoriasis, atopic dermatitis, and rheumatoid arthritis. Its business model centers on the research, development, and eventual commercialization of its proprietary drug candidates. The company generates capital through financing rounds, having secured significant funding from investors including Eli Lilly and Company, Advent Life Sciences, Columbus Venture Partners, and Sound Bioventures.

The company's lead product candidate is AX-158, a first-in-class oral small molecule designed to modulate the immune system without causing general immunosuppression. AX-158 works by selectively targeting and inhibiting the interaction between the T cell receptor (TCR) and the Nck protein, a key signaling amplifier in T cell activation. Dysregulated TCR signaling is a root cause of many autoimmune diseases where the immune system mistakenly attacks the body's own tissues. By blocking the Nck interaction, AX-158 aims to recalibrate T cell responses, preventing self-activation while preserving the immune system's ability to fight infections. This targeted immunomodulation is a key differentiator from many existing autoimmune therapies that broadly suppress the immune system. AX-158 has completed Phase 1 trials and a Phase 2a study in psoriasis, demonstrating a favorable safety profile and providing proof of mechanism. The company plans to initiate further Phase 2 trials for atopic dermatitis and rheumatoid arthritis.

Keywords: Artax Biopharma, autoimmune diseases, T cell modulation, immunomodulation, Nck inhibitor, oral small molecules, AX-158, clinical-stage biotechnology, psoriasis treatment, atopic dermatitis, rheumatoid arthritis, T cell receptor signaling, Damià Tormo, Balbino Alarcón, Columbus Venture Partners, Advent Life Sciences, Eli Lilly, immunomodulator, TCR-Nck interaction, first-in-class therapy