China-based Minghui Pharmaceutical Inc. has announced the commencement of a first-in-human Phase Ia trial for its pipeline candidate, MHB018A. This novel fusion protein combines a humanized single domain IGF-1R antibody with a human Fc fragment, and the study aims to assess safety, tolerability, and pharmacokinetics in healthy volunteers.
MHB018A: A Potential Treatment for Thyroid Eye Disease (TED)
Insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) serves as a primary mediator of the effects of growth hormone (GH) and is a major growth factor responsible for stimulating the growth of all cell types and causing significant metabolic effects. Minghui is developing MHB018A as a treatment for thyroid eye disease (TED), a complex autoimmune disease characterized by the overexpression of IGF-1 in several cell types.
Preclinical Studies and Solubility Profile of MHB018A
Minghui has completed preclinical studies for MHB018A, demonstrating a strong safety profile at a dose of 150mg/kg. The molecule is also suitable for subcutaneous injection due to its solubility. MHB018A is considered to have 3-5 times greater ligand blocking activities than other known IGF-1R antibodies for both IGF-1 and IGF-2, indicating its potential efficacy in blocking these growth factors.-Fineline Info & Tech
