17 November 2017 - - US-based biotechnology company Evelo Biosciences is collaborating with Mayo Clinic to develop and commercialize monoclonal microbials for the treatment of inflammatory and neuroinflammatory diseases, the company said.
Studies at Mayo Clinic show that oral administration of a monoclonal microbial suppresses multiple sclerosis and rheumatoid arthritis in animal models through modulation of systemic immune responses.
In the published studies, the monoclonal microbial, an anaerobic commensal microbe isolated from a human biopsy sample, led to a decrease in activity of Th17 inflammatory cells and an increase in the activity and frequency of regulatory T-cells.
Under the terms of the agreement, Evelo has a worldwide license to the technology and patent estate developed at Mayo Clinic, including multiple issued patents covering compositions and methods of use.
The data produced at Mayo and supported by Evelo's proprietary platform technologies has enabled a rapid drug development timeline with the first product candidate entering the clinic in 2018.
Revenue that Mayo Clinic receives from the development and commercialization of monoclonal microbials will be used to support its not-for-profit mission in patient care, education, and research.
Evelo Biosciences is developing monoclonal microbials, orally delivered medicines that modulate systemic immunology and biology through direct interactions with human cells in the gut, and that are broadly applicable across many diseases including autoimmune, immunoinflammatory, metabolic, neurological, neuroinflammatory diseases, and cancer.