Author: Trophic Communications

• TPM502 demonstrated a good safety profile in celiac disease patients
• The data indicates proof of concept that TPM502 induced targeted, antigen-specific tolerogenic effects in humans
• TPM502-induced antigen-specific effects were observed to persist throughout the study follow-up period
• The study data supports the potential application of the Topas platform in a broad range of autoimmune and immune-mediated diseases

Hamburg, Germany, October 15^th, 2024 – Topas Therapeutics today announced positive topline results from its Phase 2a trial evaluating lead candidate, TPM502, in patients with celiac disease. The study data serves as the first clinical proof of concept for Topas’ proprietary nanoparticle platform and its potential to induce targeted, antigen-specific tolerogenic effects.

The international, multi-center, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled Phase 2a trial (NCT05660109) was initiated in 2023 to investigate the safety, tolerability and pharmacodynamics of two infusions of TPM502 in adult patients with celiac disease.  Pharmacodynamic parameters were assessed through a gluten challenge after patients received treatment with TPM502 or placebo. Initial analysis showed that antigen-specific markers of tolerance induction exhibited a clear dose-response that reached statistical significance. Further, these antigen-specific effects persisted throughout the study’s follow-up period. TPM502 was safe at all doses investigated. Topas intends to submit the full data and analysis for presentation at an upcoming scientific conference and for publication in a peer-reviewed journal.

“This first look at the TPM502 Phase 2a data is an important milestone for the Topas team and our mission to demonstrate that our platform induces antigen-specific tolerogenic effects. The data generated in this study underscore the potential of this versatile, novel modality in a broad spectrum of autoimmune and immune-mediated diseases,” said Hugo Fry, CEO of Topas Therapeutics. “We believe these results provide a valuable springboard to the next stage of development for Topas and position the company extremely well in the immune-tolerance space.”

Topas’ lead candidate, TPM502, leverages the company’s proprietary platform, a nanotechnology-based modality designed to induce targeted, antigen-specific immune tolerance. TPM502 is comprised of a mixture of nanoparticles that carry the major gluten epitopes for HLA-DQ2.5, present in the majority of celiac disease patients. TPM502 has been developed to establish long-term immune tolerance that will offer significant therapeutic benefit to celiac patients, who currently have no treatment options.

The initiation of the Phase 2a study for TPM502 builds on promising preclinical data and the excellent safety profile demonstrated in the Phase 1 study assessing Topas’ TPM203 in pemphigus vulgaris patients. The company’s next development steps for TPM502 will be based on the full data analysis.

• With 30 years of experience across the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries, Hugo Fry will lead Topas’ strategic efforts ahead of Phase 2a data readout for lead program TPM502 in celiac disease

Hamburg, Germany, May 7th, 2024 – Topas Therapeutics, a clinical-stage biotech company developing novel antigen-specific immune tolerance therapies to treat autoimmune disorders, announced today the appointment of Hugo Fry as its new Chief Executive Officer. Bringing three decades of experience including senior management and executive roles at both large pharmaceutical and innovative biotechnology companies, Hugo has a significant track record in leading companies from early research and development through product commercialization.

“Hugo joins Topas at the right time to provide his broad expertise and strategic direction as we advance our mission of developing novel, disease-modifying treatment options for a range of autoimmune and inflammatory diseases,” commented Erich F. Greiner, Executive Chairman of Topas Therapeutics. “With data from a Phase 2a trial of lead candidate TPM502 in celiac disease expected later this year, we believe Hugo’s leadership will drive value for the company and fully leverage the potential of its innovative approach.”

“Topas is at the forefront of tolerance induction therapy with a cutting-edge nanoparticle technology platform designed to elicit immune tolerization in T-cell-mediated diseases,” said Hugo Fry, CEO of Topas Therapeutics. “As I take the helm, I am excited to advance the work of this talented team and look forward to leading Topas’ strategic efforts to progress our corporate and clinical development.”

Hugo Fry has an extensive and diverse career spanning three decades within the pharmaceutical and biotechnology sectors, characterized by strategic and leadership roles, including Chief Commercial Officer at Imbria Pharmaceuticals and Chief Business Officer and Managing Director at 20Med Therapeutics as well as CEO of RQ Biotechnology. With a focus on guiding companies toward success, Hugo has previously led R&D, Industrial Affairs as well as Commercial teams and is experienced in licensing, fundraising and forging strategic partnerships. He has also held several executive positions spanning multiple countries, including Managing Director of Sanofi UK and Ireland, and Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer for the Sanofi Pasteur MSD joint venture, along with being the Vice-President of the Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry. Hugo holds a B.Sc. in Chemistry from the University of Salford and has completed further studies in Finance at London Business School and Leadership at Duke University.