Syntimmune

Syntimmune was a clinical-stage biotechnology company that developed antibody therapeutics for a range of autoimmune diseases by targeting the neonatal Fc receptor (FcRn). The company was founded in 2013 by brothers Dr. Laurence Blumberg and Dr. Richard Blumberg, leveraging Richard's pioneering research into FcRn biology. Laurence Blumberg, who served as COO, brought extensive biotechnology industry experience from co-founding Syntonix Pharmaceuticals and working in investment and project management. Richard Blumberg is a Professor of Medicine at Harvard Medical School and Chief of Gastroenterology at Brigham and Women's Hospital, providing a deep scientific foundation for the company's work.

Syntimmune's lead product candidate was SYNT001 (now known as ALXN1830 or Orilanolimab), a humanized monoclonal antibody designed to block the interaction between FcRn and Immunoglobulin G (IgG). This mechanism accelerates the clearance of pathogenic IgG antibodies that drive many autoimmune diseases, without destroying other immune cells. The therapy was being evaluated in clinical trials for conditions with significant unmet needs, including warm autoimmune hemolytic anemia (WAIHA) and the skin-blistering disease pemphigus. For pemphigus, SYNT001 received Orphan Drug Designation from the FDA in September 2018.

The company's business model focused on advancing its specialized pipeline through clinical trials to demonstrate proof-of-concept and safety. Syntimmune successfully raised $78 million in private financing over several rounds, with key investors including Apple Tree Partners, Partners Innovation Fund, and FMB Research. The company's progress and the potential of its FcRn-targeting platform culminated in its acquisition by Alexion Pharmaceuticals in November 2018. The deal was valued at up to $1.2 billion, consisting of a $400 million upfront payment and up to $800 million in potential milestone payments.

Keywords: FcRn inhibitor, IgG-mediated diseases, autoimmune disease, antibody therapeutics, monoclonal antibody, SYNT001, warm autoimmune hemolytic anemia, pemphigus, Alexion acquisition, clinical-stage biotechnology, neonatal Fc receptor, Richard Blumberg, Laurence Blumberg, Apple Tree Partners, rare diseases, immunology, biopharmaceutical, ALXN1830, Orilanolimab