ProNoxis AB

The Challenge

Autoimmune diseases represent a diverse set of syndromes and manifestations. The common feature of these diseases is tissue damage due to loss of tolerance. Rheumatoid arthritis is an example of an autoimmune disease that affects 0.5–1% of the population. It is characterized by painful, swollen and stiff joints and gradual joint destruction. Current treatments consist of NSAIDs for pain and inflammation, and disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs such as TNFα-inhibitors and other biologics. However, a substantial number of patients still fail to respond adequately to current therapies.

ProNoxis' Solution

ProNoxis is developing a new therapeutic concept for rheumatoid arthritis and other autoimmune diseases based on the discovery of a gene encoding a subunit of NADPH oxidase. NADPH oxidase has been shown to affect autoimmune disease in several rat models where, surprisingly, relief was achieved when production of free oxygen radicals increased.

Studies conducted by ProNoxis show that the effect is related to recruitment of auto reactive T cells, an early key event in autoimmune disease. The project is currently in an early stage of development. However, initial validation studies in vivo show that the treatment may potentially reduce inflammatory activity and prevent relapses in ongoing disease.

Competitive Advantages

ProNoxis' products will act through a new mechanism and could potentially be used in patients that do not respond to current therapies or in combination with current treatments. The therapeutic concept has the potential to be applied within several diseases, primarily rheumatoid arthritis and multiple sclerosis, but possibly also inflammatory bowel disease and psoriasis.

The company has access to state-of-the-art in vitro models and relevant animal models, as well as to cutting-edge research groups in the autoimmune field.

The Market

In 2010, the sales of rheumatoid arthritis drugs reached USD 12bn in the seven major pharmaceutical markets, dominated by the three TNFα-inhibitors Humira, Enbrel and Remicade. The introduction of reformulations of other classes of drugs such as subcutaneous Orencia and Actemra, as well as an intravenous formulation of the TNFα-inhibitor Simponi, is expected to fuel growth. In addition, Datamonitor expects new product launches such as novel oral JAK inhibitors to drive market growth to USD 18bn by 2020¹.  The primary part of this market, and especially those patients who do not receive adequate amelioration from existing therapies, will be the target market for ProNoxis.