ImmusanT

ImmusanT was a clinical-stage biotechnology company founded in 2010 by Leslie Williams and Dr. Robert Anderson. The company focused on developing therapies for autoimmune diseases, with its primary efforts directed towards celiac disease. Williams, who served as President and CEO, brought extensive biopharmaceutical experience from roles at companies like Merck and GSK, as well as a background as a critical-care nurse. Dr. Anderson, the Scientific Founder and Chief Scientific Officer, is a gastroenterologist and immunologist who discovered the specific gluten peptides that trigger the immune response in most celiac patients. His research at the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute and Oxford University formed the scientific basis for the company's lead product.

The company's business model was centered on the development and eventual commercialization of its Epitope-Specific Immuno-Therapy (ESIT) platform. This platform aimed to reprogram the immune system to tolerate specific antigens responsible for autoimmune reactions. ImmusanT's main product candidate was Nexvax2, a therapeutic vaccine designed to protect individuals with celiac disease against the effects of gluten exposure. The target clients were the vast population of celiac disease patients, approximately 90% of whom carry the HLA-DQ2.5 gene that Nexvax2 was designed to address. Revenue was anticipated through the successful clinical development and market approval of Nexvax2 and other pipeline candidates. The company successfully raised significant capital, securing $72 million over four funding rounds, including a $40 million Series C in 2017 led by ARCH Venture Partners and Vatera Healthcare Partners.

Nexvax2 consisted of three specific peptides intended to desensitize the T-cells that cause intestinal inflammation in response to gluten. The goal was to allow patients to tolerate inadvertent gluten exposure, potentially improving their quality of life beyond the strict limitations of a gluten-free diet. After showing promise in Phase 1 trials for safety and bioactivity, Nexvax2 advanced to Phase 2 trials. However, in June 2019, ImmusanT announced it was discontinuing the Phase 2 trial after an interim analysis showed Nexvax2 was no more effective than a placebo at protecting patients from gluten. Following this significant setback with its lead candidate, the company ceased operations, and its website went offline in 2020.

Keywords: celiac disease, therapeutic vaccine, Nexvax2, autoimmune disease, gluten intolerance, epitope-specific immunotherapy, Leslie Williams, Robert Anderson, HLA-DQ2.5, peptide therapy, clinical trial, Vatera Healthcare Partners, ARCH Venture Partners, drug development, biotechnology, immune tolerance, gluten peptides, immunomodulatory, T-cell reprogramming, failed trial