A newly launched biotech start-up with impressive study results in The Lancet

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11.05.2021
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MoonLake Immunotherapeutics, founded in 2021, has in-licensed an antibody fragment from Merck which has clinically demonstrated potential to allow better disease control in dermatology and rheumatology patients. New results from a Phase 2b study in the model disease psoriasis are impressive.

Zug-based MoonLake Immunotherapeutics is a clinical-stage biotechnology company focused on creating therapies for inflammatory skin and joint diseases. Full results of a Phase 2b study of its Tri-specific “Nanobody” Sonelokimab were published in The Lancet last week. Data show that Sonelokimab totally clears skin in almost 6 out of 10 patients with moderate to severe psoriasis.

An international team of immunology specialists has established MoonLake to leverage the “Nanobody” technology in multiple indications. The “nanobody” is an antibody fragment consisting of a single monomeric variable antibody domain and is like antibodies able to bind selectively to a specific antigen with high affinity. The MoonLake team will accelerate the clinical development of Sonelokimab, building on robust clinical data generated by Merck KGaA and by Ablynx, a Sanofi company, which discovered the molecule. Sonelokimab has clinically demonstrated potential to drive disease modification in dermatology and rheumatology patients.

Investigator Kristian Reich MD, PhD, Chief Scientific Officer and co-founder of MoonLake Immunotherapeutics, commented the study results published in The Lancet: “Sonelokimab is a remarkable Nanobody with game-changing potential in the treatment of a range of IL-17A/F-driven inflammatory diseases. This study shows very high response levels in the model disease psoriasis, with a favorable benefit-safety profile. MoonLake’s aim is to also accelerate Sonelokimab’s development in other inflammatory diseases driven by IL-17A and IL-17F like psoriatic arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis and hidradenitis suppurativa. Our aim is to elevate treatment goals in these diseases based on the unique characteristics of Sonelokimab, giving patients with common and burdensome skin and joint conditions a chance of better disease control.”

MoonLake Immunotherapeutics plans to accelerate the development of Sonelokimab in multiple inflammatory diseases in dermatology and rheumatology driven by IL-17A and IL-17F. This group of IL-17A/F Inflammatory Diseases include psoriatic arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, and hidradenitis suppurativa – conditions affecting millions of people worldwide with a large need for improved treatment options. MoonLake Immunotherapeutics plans to initiate multiple Phase 2 trials soon.

MoonLake Immunotherapeutics AG was founded in 2021, backed by a Series A financing led by BVF Partners LP. Other investors include Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany. Founders include Arnout Ploos van Amstel, and Chief Operating Officer, who has more than 25 years of experience as a global executive leader in biopharma, including at Novartis as well as Prof Kristian, Chief Scientific Officer, who has more than 25 years of experience as a global clinical leader in dermatology and immunology.

(Press release / SK)

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