Category: Press Releases

Highlights

• The acquisition combines IgA antibody assets and expertise of Boston-based TigaTx with Epsilogen’s assets and expertise in IgE to create the world’s leading pan-isotype cancer antibody company
• Allows selection of the most appropriate antibody isotype for a given cancer, applying the unique mechanisms of action for each:
  • IgA activates neutrophils, a potent and highly abundant immune effector cell
  • IgE activates T cells and macrophages to warm up the tumour microenvironment (TME)
• Facilitates combination of different isotype functions into single antibody molecules with enhanced potency and performance
• Combined clinical-stage company benefits from a strong pipeline:
  • MOv18 IgE, an anti-Folate Receptorα IgE antibody, currently in a Phase Ib Proof of Concept trial in platinum-resistant ovarian cancer. Data from a Phase I trial found it to be safe and well tolerated with early signs of clinical activity
  • EPS 401 (formerly TIGA-001), an anti-EGFR IgA antibody with IND-enabling studies underway
  • Further IgE and IgA antibodies targeted to other validated cancer antigens
• In addition to IgE, the combined company has three proprietary antibody platforms:
  • IgEG antibodies which combine IgE and IgG functionality into a single antibody molecule
  • Bispecific IgEs and IgEGs which can bind two different antigens simultaneously
  • IgA 3.0, an engineered derivative of wild type IgA with improved manufacturing profile

• US based TigaTx becomes a wholly owned subsidiary of Epsilogen
  • Sonia Gulati of Global BioAccess Fund has joined Epsilogen’s board of directors
  • Financial terms of the transaction have not been released

LONDON, UK and Boston, MA, 7 April 2025 – Epsilogen, the global leader in the development of immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibody therapeutics, today announces that it has completed the acquisition of TigaTx, Inc., a biotechnology company developing engineered immunoglobulin A (IgA) antibodies, to create the world’s leading pan-isotype cancer antibody company.

As a result of the combination of these two privately held companies, US-based TigaTx becomes a wholly owned subsidiary of Epsilogen. Financial terms of the transaction have not been disclosed. Additionally, Dr Sonia Gulati, a Principal at Global BioAccess Fund has joined the Epsilogen Board of Directors.

Commenting on the acquisition, Epsilogen CEO Tim Wilson said: “We are excited to create the world’s leading pan-isotype antibody company with the goal of bringing improved therapeutics to cancer patients. Combining the capabilities of Epsilogen with those of TigaTx gives us the ability to choose the most relevant isotype for a given cancer, whether a cold tumour environment we want to drive multiple immune effector cells into or leverage neutrophils. The transaction also facilitates the combination of different isotype functions into a single antibody molecule. We are looking forward to working with our new colleagues in Boston and creating additional opportunities in our pipeline.”

Sonia Gulati PhD, a Principal at the Global BioAccess Fund said: “We are thrilled about the merger with Epsilogen and believe deeply in the potential of IgA and IgE-based therapies to transform cancer treatment. Together, we are advancing a new frontier in immunotherapy to bring innovative solutions to patients in need.”

Pete Finan, Epsilogen’s Non-Executive Chairman and a General Partner at Epidarex Capital commented: “Nature has evolved five different antibody isotypes to perform specific biologic functions. Following the acquisition, Epsilogen is in a unique position with in-house deep expertise in three of these, IgE, IgA and IgG. We very much look forward to the company turning this potential into innovative new medicines for cancer patients”.

Rationale: Creating the world’s leading pan-isotype cancer antibody company

The primary purpose of this transaction is to create the world’s leading pan-isotype antibody company with the goal of pioneering radically new antibody therapeutics in oncology. The acquisition not only gives Epsilogen the capability of selecting the appropriate antibody isotype for a given cancer, given the differentiated therapeutic mechanisms of each, but also allows it to mix and match IgE, IgA and IgG functionality into a single antibody molecule. Such hybrid antibodies have the potential to activate multiple compartments of the immune system as well as possessing improved PK/PD profiles. This is especially powerful in the light of the importance of the epitope in determining the clinical performance of antibodies.

The human immune system has evolved five main antibody isotypes (IgG, IgM, IgE, IgA and IgD) which it can call upon depending upon the challenge faced. All cancer antibodies and antibody derivatives to date, and virtually all in clinical development, are based on the IgG isotype. IgG utilises the gamma chain constant region whereas antibodies of the IgE and IgA isotypes use the epsilon and alpha chain constant regions respectively; the variable regions of all wild type antibodies are structurally the same.

IgE and IgA antibodies have distinct and potent immunological effector functions predominantly working through myeloid cells and neutrophils respectively. Each of these broad classes can bring about solid tumour destruction in a variety of preclinical models.

The acquisition bolsters Epsilogen’s pipeline by adding EPS 401 (formerly TIGA-001), an anti-EGFR IgA antibody, scheduled to enter the clinic in 2026. MOv18 IgE is currently in a Phase Ib trial for treatment of platinum-resistant ovarian cancer (PROC). Phase I trial data previously showed the antibody to be safe and well tolerated with preliminary signs of anti-cancer activity. Epsilogen’s earlier stage pipeline also features a number of other IgE antibody candidates targeting a variety of tumour antigens.

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About TigaTx
TigaTx is a biotechnology company developing engineered monomeric IgA neutrophil engagers to unleash the tumour killing power of neutrophils for cancer. The company’s cutting-edge approach in engineered therapeutic IgA is based on pioneering work by Professor Jeanette Leusen conducted at the Utrecht Medical Center (Utrecht, The Netherlands). Based in Boston, MA, TigaTx is developing a pipeline of therapies to treat different cancer types.

About Epsilogen Ltd
Epsilogen is the world’s leading pan-isotype antibody therapeutic company for the treatment of cancer. It has unique and proprietary expertise in the discovery and development of IgE, IgA and IgG-based therapeutics with each isotype possessing differentiated immune effector function. IgE has significant activity against various tumour types by activating myeloid cells and T cells thereby warming up the tumour micro-environment (TME). IgA’s anti-cancer potential is mediated by the activation of neutrophils, highly abundant effector cells which drive innate and adaptive immunity. The distinct activity profiles of each isotype allow Epsilogen to select the most appropriate isotype for a given cancer. The company has also combined different isotypes into a single antibody molecule with enhanced functionality.

Epsilogen’s lead product candidate, MOv18 IgE, is the first therapeutic IgE antibody to enter the clinic and encouraging data from a completed Phase I trial found it to be safe and well tolerated with early signs of clinical activity. Epsilogen has initiated a Phase Ib trial in platinum-resistant ovarian cancer patients. Find out more at Epsilogen.com.

For more information please contact:
Communications advisor to Epsilogen Ltd:
Simon Conway/Tim Stamper/Amy Byrne
FTI Consulting
epsilogen@fticonsulting.com
+44 (0)20 3727 1000

Proof-of-concept study to evaluate the safety, tolerability and efficacy of MOv18 IgE in patients with platinum-resistant ovarian cancer

LONDON, 3 December 2024 – Epsilogen, the global leader in the development of immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies to treat cancer, today announces that it has commenced a Phase Ib study evaluating MOv18 IgE in patients with platinum-resistant ovarian cancer (PROC).

The Phase Ib, open-label, dose escalation and expansion trial (NCT06547840) will enrol 45 patients with PROC whose disease has progressed after no more than four lines of prior therapy. The trial will assess the safety, tolerability and efficacy of MOv18 IgE in ascending dose cohorts.

MOv18 IgE is an IgE antibody targeting the folate receptor alpha (FR alpha) antigen which is selectively expressed by a variety of cancers including ovarian, non-small cell lung, endometrial and triple negative breast cancer. It is the first ever IgE antibody therapeutic to enter clinical testing and the Phase Ib trial will generate extensive translational data to allow further understanding of IgE’s unique mechanism of action in man. A previous Phase I safety study of MOv18 IgE found it to be safe and well tolerated, with evidence of anti-tumour activity observed, as reported in Nature Communications (https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-023-39679-9).

Dr Tim Wilson, CEO of Epsilogen, said: “We are pleased to have initiated the Phase Ib study of MOv18 IgE, following the encouraging Phase I data. This is a key step in our goal of bringing this exciting new therapeutic modality to cancer patients”.

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About Epsilogen Ltd

Epsilogen is the global leader in the development of immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies to treat cancer. IgE possesses highly potent immune effector function underpinning its natural role in providing defence against animal venoms and certain parasites. IgE-activated macrophages permeate tumours, drive antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity (ADCC) and phagocytosis (ADCP) and release pro-inflammatory mediators including IL-6, IL-1 β, CXCL10 and CCL2. This warms up the tumour microenvironment (TME) attracting and activating CD4+ and CD8+ T cells which destroy the tumour. IgE’s unique and multifaceted mechanism of action is ideal for the treatment of solid tumours.

Epsilogen’s lead product candidate, MOv18 IgE, is the first therapeutic IgE antibody to enter the clinic and encouraging data from a completed Phase I trial found it to be safe and well tolerated with early signs of clinical activity. Epsilogen has initiated a Phase Ib trial in platinum-resistant ovarian cancer patients. The company is also developing a pipeline of IgE antibodies in oncology as well as proprietary platforms including IgE bispecifics and unique IgE/IgG combination antibody molecules (IgEGs) with enhanced functionality.

Epsilogen began operations in 2017 as a spin-out of King’s College London and has attracted venture capital financing from Epidarex Capital, Novartis Venture Fund, 3B Future Health, British Patient Capital, ALSA Ventures and Schroders Capital amongst others. Find out more at epsilogen.com.

For more information please contact:

Communications advisor to Epsilogen Ltd:

Simon Conway/Tim Stamper/Amy Byrne
FTI Consulting
epsilogen@fticonsulting.com
+44 (0)20 3727 1000

Expansion brings total Series B funds raised to £43.25 million

Proceeds to support the delivery of clinical Proof of Concept for MOv18 IgE

LONDON, 9 September 2024 – Epsilogen, a global leader in the development of immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies to treat cancer, today announces the completion of a £12.5 million Series B expansion financing bringing the Series B total to £43.25 million. This financing will fund the delivery of clinical Proof of Concept for lead asset MOv18 IgE in a phase Ib trial featuring platinum-resistant ovarian cancer (PROC) as well as further development of the company’s IgE-based pipeline. The financing was entirely conducted by existing investors including British Patient Capital, Novartis Venture Fund, Epidarex Capital, 3B Future Health Fund and ALSA Ventures.

MOv18 IgE is the first therapeutic IgE antibody to enter the clinic. This first-in-class antibody targets folate receptor alpha (FR), an antigen present on a variety of cancers including ovarian, endometrial, lung and triple negative breast cancer. In a phase I trial, MOv18 IgE was found to be safe and well tolerated with initial signs of clinical activity also seen, as reported in Nature Communications (https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-023-39679-9). The phase Ib trial is a two-part, dose escalation and expansion trial in patients with FR-positive PROC whose disease has progressed after ≤4 prior regimens of anti-cancer therapy.
MOv18 IgE has a unique mechanism of action differentiating it from other agents currently in the clinic and on the market. Key aspects of this mechanism include high affinity binding to its main cognate receptor, FcεR1, thereby enabling immunosurveillance and potent myeloid cell driven tumour cell killing. Additionally, IgE antibodies drive modulation of the tumour immune microenvironment to become more pro-inflammatory, leading to increased intra-tumoural levels of activated T cells and tumour killing macrophages.

Tim Wilson, CEO of Epsilogen said “We are delighted to have received strong continued support from our existing investors and we thank them. The promise of IgE to treat cancer is based upon its unique mechanism of action and MOv18 IgE is the first ever to be tested in man. Everything is ready for phase Ib initiation which will occur shortly and we look forward to reporting progress from the trial.”

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About Epsilogen Ltd

Epsilogen is a global leader in the development of immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies to treat cancer. IgE’s natural function is to provide immunological defence against certain parasites. This functionality makes it an ideal treatment of solid tumours due to its strong potency, enhanced tumour access and long tissue half-life.
Epsilogen’s lead product candidate, MOv18 IgE, is the first therapeutic IgE antibody to enter the clinic and encouraging data from a completed Phase I trial demonstrated MOv18 IgE to be safe and well tolerated with early signs of clinical activity. Epsilogen has recently successfully completed large scale GMP manufacture of MOv18 IgE (the first time this has been achieved for an IgE antibody) and will initiate a Phase Ib trial in platinum-resistant ovarian cancer patients later this year. The company is also developing a pipeline of IgE therapies in oncology as well as proprietary platforms including IgE bispecifics and unique IgE/IgG combination antibody molecules (IgEGs) with enhanced functionality.

Epsilogen began operations in 2017 as a spin-out of King’s College London and has attracted venture capital financing from Epidarex Capital, Novartis Venture Fund, 3B Future Health, British Patient Capital, ALSA Ventures and Schroders Capital amongst others. Find out more at epsilogen.com.
For more information please contact:

Communications advisor to Epsilogen Ltd:

Simon Conway
Senior Managing Director
FTI Consulting
epsilogen@fticonsulting.com
+44 (0)20 3727 1000

Phase Ib study expected to initiate in H2 2024

Previously reported Phase I results showed MOv18 IgE to be safe and well tolerated, with evidence of anti-tumour activity

LONDON, 8 July 2024 – Epsilogen, a global leader in the development of immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies to treat cancer, today announces that the Clinical Trial Application for the Phase Ib trial of MOv18 IgE has been approved by the UK Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA).

The Phase Ib study is expected to initiate later in 2024 and will evaluate the efficacy of MOv18 IgE in patients with platinum-resistant ovarian cancer (PROC).

Dr Tim Wilson, Chief Executive Officer of Epsilogen, said: “This CTA is another significant milestone for Epsilogen and the clinical development of MOv18 IgE. We look forward to progressing MOv18 IgE into a Phase Ib efficacy study later this year as we continue to demonstrate the potential of IgE antibodies as a new, differentiated class of cancer treatments.”

About MOv18 IgE
MOv18 IgE is an immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibody targeting the folate receptor alpha (FR alpha) antigen. FR alpha is present on a variety of cancers including ovarian, endometrial, lung and triple negative breast cancer. Epsilogen has successfully completed a Phase I safety study of MOv18 IgE in PROC patients. The results of the study, published in Nature Communications, found MOv18 IgE to be safe and well tolerated, with evidence of anti-tumour activity observed. Epsilogen, alongside its partner Lonza, also announced the successful completion of large-scale Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) manufacturing of MOv18 IgE earlier this year.

About the Phase Ib study
The Phase Ib study is designed to confirm the safety and tolerability of MOv18 IgE and demonstrate efficacy in PROC. Following the dose escalation, an expansion cohort will be recruited to make a preliminary assessment of the anti-tumour activity of MOv18 IgE at a selected dose. In addition, delay to disease progression will be assessed along with a number of translational elements to generate further understanding of MOv18 IgE in the study population.

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About Epsilogen Ltd
Epsilogen is a global leader in the development of immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies to treat cancer. IgE’s natural function is to provide immunological defence against certain parasites. This functionality makes it an ideal treatment of solid tumours due to its strong potency, enhanced tumour access and long tissue half-life.

Epsilogen’s lead product candidate, MOv18 IgE, is the first therapeutic IgE antibody to enter the clinic and encouraging data from a completed Phase I trial demonstrated MOv18 IgE to be safe and well tolerated with early signs of clinical activity. Epsilogen has recently successfully completed large scale GMP manufacture of MOv18 IgE (the first time this has been achieved for an IgE antibody) and will initiate a Phase Ib trial in platinum-resistant ovarian cancer patients later this year. The company is also developing a pipeline of IgE therapies in oncology as well as proprietary platforms including IgE bispecifics and unique IgE/IgG combination antibody molecules (IgEGs) with enhanced functionality.

Epsilogen began operations in 2017 as a spin-out of King’s College London and has attracted venture capital financing from Epidarex Capital, Novartis Venture Fund, 3B Future Health, British Patient Capital, ALSA Ventures and Schroders Capital amongst others. Find out more at epsilogen.com.

For more information please contact:
Communications advisor to Epsilogen Ltd:

Ashley brings over 25 years’ experience in business and strategy development within the biopharmaceutical industry

Will spearhead partnering discussions as the company enters the next phase of its growth

Appointment is part of a broader expansion of Epsilogen’s team, facilities and core competencies

Dr David Chiswell is stepping down for personal reasons and will be replaced by current board member Dr Peter Finan

LONDON, 1 May 2024 – Epsilogen, a global leader in the development of immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies to treat cancer, today announces the appointments of Ashley Nagle as Chief Business Officer (CBO) and Peter Finan, currently a Non-Executive Director, as Non-Executive Chairman. The changes are made with immediate effect as part of a broader company expansion.

Ashley brings over 25 years of experience leading business and strategy development, licensing and deal-making within the biopharmaceutical industry. Most recently, Ashley served as VP of Business Development at RemedyBio, a discovery and development precision immunotherapy company. During his career Mr Nagle has worked with both small and large organisations, including Lonza Biologics, Almac Sciences, Fulcrum Pharma, OncoSynergy, NexGenix and SeaGull Therapeutics, where he was Chief Executive Officer. Ashley holds a BSc in Chemistry from University College Cork, an MSc in Analytical Chemistry and Environmental Sciences from the University of Aberdeen and an MBA from the University of Lincoln.

Ashley’s appointment comes amidst a broader company expansion that will enable Epsilogen to unlock the potential of both IgE antibodies and their engineered derivatives as an entirely new treatment modality for patients with cancer. Since the start of 2023, the company has expanded its management team with the appointments of Nick Robbins-Cherry as CFO, Andrew Calam as VP of Clinical Operations and Elizabeth Hardaker as VP of Biology. Over this period, Epsilogen has also built a world class scientific team based in state-of-the-art laboratories in West London. This investment has added internal core competencies in antibody discovery, evaluation, engineering, production and pharmacological assessment, all complementing its existing expertise within the IgE field.

Pete replaces Dave Chiswell as Non-Executive Chairman, who is stepping down for personal reasons after five years in the role. Pete has more than 30 years’ experience in drug discovery within the biopharmaceutical industry and is a Partner at Epidarex Capital. During his career Pete has also served as Global Head of the Respiratory Disease Area and Site Head for the Novartis Institute of BioMedical Research in the UK and as Executive Director of the Novartis Developmental and Molecular Pathways Platform based in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Pete holds a BSc and Ph.D. in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology from the University of Leeds.

Dr Tim Wilson, Chief Executive Officer of Epsilogen, commented: “I am delighted to welcome Ashley to the Epsilogen team. He has an excellent track record in business development within the biopharmaceutical industry and we expect his experience and insights to have an immediate impact. Epsilogen has made substantial progress over the last 12 months on all fronts and Ashley will spearhead our partnering discussions going forward.
I would like to thank Dave for all his passion and hard work in guiding Epsilogen as Non-Executive Chair over the last five years. His wealth of experience has been invaluable to the progress we have made so far, and we wish him the very best for the future. At the same time, I would like to welcome Pete on stepping up into the role. Pete has been a key member of the Epsilogen team for many years and was pivotal in its formation.”

Ashley Nagle, Chief Business Officer of Epsilogen, added: “I am excited to be joining a company with such a potentially disruptive therapeutic approach and one that has already generated encouraging early clinical and preclinical data. I look forward to working closely with Tim and the rest of the team to fully unlock the value of this class of antibodies and leverage my strategy and business development expertise to drive Epsilogen forward.”

Dr Dave Chiswell, outgoing Non-Executive Chairman of Epsilogen, said: “I have thoroughly enjoyed working with all of the Epsilogen team and am proud of what we have achieved together. The company is in excellent hands and is in a good position to execute the next phase of its development, as it pursues its ambition to revolutionise cancer treatment with IgE antibodies.”

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About Epsilogen Ltd
Epsilogen is a global leader in the development of immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies to treat cancer. IgE’s natural function is to provide immunological defence against certain parasites. This functionality makes it an ideal treatment of solid tumours due to its strong potency, enhanced tumour access and long tissue half-life. Epsilogen’s lead product candidate, MOv18 IgE, is the first therapeutic IgE antibody to enter the clinic and encouraging data from a completed Phase I trial demonstrated MOv18 IgE to be safe and well tolerated with early signs of clinical activity. Epsilogen has recently successfully completed large scale GMP manufacture of MOv18 IgE (the first time this has been achieved for an IgE antibody) and will initiate a Phase Ib trial in Platinum Resistant Ovarian Cancer Patients later this year. The company is also developing a proprietary IgEG antibody platform combining elements from both IgE and IgG antibodies into novel and proprietary antibody molecules with enhanced functionality.

Epsilogen began operations in 2017 as a spin-out of King’s College London and has attracted venture capital financing from Epidarex Capital, Novartis Venture Fund, 3B Future Health, British Patient Capital, ALSA Ventures and Schroders Capital amongst others. Find out more at epsilogen.com.

For more information please contact:

Communications advisor to Epsilogen Ltd:

Simon Conway
Senior Managing Director
FTI Consulting
epsilogen@fticonsulting.com
+44 (0)20 3727 1000

First time GMP manufacturing of a therapeutic IgE antibody has been achieved at scale

GMP material to be used in Phase Ib study in platinum-resistant ovarian cancer (PROC) patients scheduled to start this year. Previously reported Phase I safety study results in PROC patients showed MOv18 IgE to be safe and well-tolerated, with early evidence of anti-tumour activity observed

Lonza supported the expression and manufacturing of the MOv18 IgE antibody in less than ten months

LONDON, UK, and Basel, Switzerland, 5 February 2024 – Epsilogen, a global leader in the development of immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies to treat cancer, and Lonza, a global development and manufacturing partner to the pharma, biotech and nutrition industries, today announced successful completion of Good Manufacturing Practice (“GMP”) manufacturing of MOv18 IgE, Epsilogen’s lead IgE antibody drug candidate. This included process development and cGMP manufacturing of this complex molecule for clinical supply in less than ten months at Lonza’s Slough (UK) site.

IgE antibodies represent powerful alternatives to more commonly used IgG antibodies. They bring exciting opportunities for oncology thanks to their strong potency, long tissue half-life, and the ability to target tumour cells expressing very low antigen levels. Current research and monitoring indicate that this is the first time GMP manufacturing of a therapeutic IgE antibody has been completed at scale. Epsilogen intends to use this new material for its upcoming Phase Ib study in platinum-resistant ovarian cancer (PROC) patients, scheduled to start later in 2024.

Dr. Tim Wilson, Chief Executive Officer, Epsilogen, commented: “The successful GMP manufacture at scale of MOv18 IgE marks another major milestone in realizing the potential of IgE antibodies as a new and differentiated class of cancer therapies for the treatment of patients with solid tumours. Decades of technical achievement and financial investment have made GMP manufacture of the IgG class of therapeutic antibodies a routine process. Lonza and Epsilogen have worked together to apply Lonza’s knowledge and experience to MOv18 IgE. As a part of the IgE antibody class, it is structurally and functionally distinct from IgG. It is very gratifying to see this effort and investment pay off.

Having generated encouraging safety and tolerability data in our Phase I safety study for MOv18 IgE in patients with platinum-resistant ovarian cancer, we look forward to exploring further the signals of efficacy observed in that clinical trial and anticipate starting a Phase Ib efficacy study in this setting later in 2024. We remain optimistic about the potential of IgE antibodies as a new treatment modality to improve outcomes for patients with difficult-to-treat cancers.”

Stefan Egli, Global Head of Mammalian Biologics, Lonza, added: “This marks a significant milestone for Epsilogen, bringing its promising IgE-based product closer to the clinic. Having produced the GMP batch of this non-platform complex molecule under record time is also a statement that demonstrates the strategic value of our manufacturing services offering tailored to each molecule’s unique properties, and analytical and purification needs.”

MOv18 IgE targets the folate receptor alpha (FR alpha) antigen and Epsilogen believes that this was the first, and remains the only, IgE antibody in clinical development. Epsilogen has successfully completed a Phase I safety study of MOv18 IgE in platinum-resistant ovarian cancer patients where it was found to be safe and well-tolerated, with evidence of anti-tumour activity observed. This study and its results were reported in Nature Communications.

Final results of phase I study of MOv18 IgE in ovarian cancer published in Nature Communications
MOv18 IgE found to be safe and well tolerated with evidence of anti-tumour activity observed

London, 25 July 2023 – Epsilogen, a global leader in the development of immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies to treat cancer, notes the publication today of the final phase I data from the first ever clinical trial of an IgE antibody therapeutic in Nature Communications (https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-023-39679-9). MOv18 IgE is Epsilogen’s lead IgE antibody drug candidate and binds to anti-folate receptor (FRα), a well validated target for ovarian cancer. It was administered to 26 patients with high grade serous ovarian carcinoma whose cancer had become platinum-resistant.

Results from the study, entitled “A Cancer Research UK phase I study of MOv18 IgE, a first in class chimeric IgE antibody against folate receptor-alpha, in patients with advanced solid tumours” (https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02546921), showed a manageable safety profile with transient urticaria being the most common adverse event. The urticaria always resolved within hours of dosing, either spontaneously or with the administration of systemic steroids and antihistamines.

Although the trial was not designed to demonstrate efficacy, tumour shrinkage and an associated fall in CA 125 tumour marker level was seen in one patient. Notably, the authors of the paper observed that the anti-tumour activity “occurred at doses very much lower than typically observed for IgG antibodies”, reflecting fundamental differences in Fc-receptor affinity and effector cell biology.

Professor James Spicer, Professor of Experimental Cancer Medicine at King’s College London, Consultant in Medical Oncology at Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust (GSTT) and the study’s lead investigator, said: “IgE is a completely new form of antibody therapy which has shown great promise in this phase I trial. Our findings show that the drug was well tolerated in patients and shrunk a cancerous tumour in a patient with ovarian cancer. The results pave the way to development of an entirely new class of anti-cancer drug for people with chemotherapy-resistant cancers. The immunology expertise in King’s College London laboratories allowed us to undertake this trial of a completely new form of antibody therapy.”

Dr Tim Wilson, Chief Executive Officer of Epsilogen, commented: “The data published in Nature Communications, are encouraging and add further validation to support our belief that IgE antibodies have the potential to emerge as an entirely new treatment modality for patients with cancer. We have a robust clinical development plan in place to progress MOv18 IgE further into the clinic and the data generated will assist us in the development of our other IgE antibody drug candidates”.

Research Paper Available Here

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About Epsilogen Ltd

Epsilogen is a global leader in the development of immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies to treat cancer. IgE’s natural function is to provide immunological defense against certain parasites. This functionality makes it an ideal treatment of solid tumours due to its strong potency, enhanced tumour access and long tissue half-life.

Epsilogen’s lead product candidate, MOv18 IgE, is the first therapeutic IgE antibody to enter the clinic and encouraging data from a completed phase I trial demonstrated MOv18 IgE to be safe and well tolerated with early signs of clinical activity. The company is also developing a proprietary IgEG antibody platform combining elements from both IgE and IgG antibodies into novel and proprietary antibody molecules with enhanced functionality.

Epsilogen began operations in 2017 as a spin out of King’s College London and has attracted venture capital financing from Epidarex Capital, Novartis Venture Fund, 3B Future Health, British Patient Capital, Alsa Ventures and Schroders Capital amongst others.

Find out more at epsilogen.com.

For more information please contact:

Communications advisor to Epsilogen Ltd:
Simon Conway
Senior Managing Director
FTI Consulting
simon.conway@fticonsulting.com
+44 (0)20 3727 1000

Appointments allow company to consolidate its position as a global leader in the discovery and development of IgE antibody-based therapeutics

London, 26 April 2023 – Epsilogen Ltd, a global leader in the development of novel immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies to treat cancer, announced three new senior hires in what is a significant expansion of their management team. Nick Robbins-Cherry joins as Chief Financial Officer, Andrew Calam as Vice President of Clinical Operations and Elizabeth Hardaker as Vice President of Biology.

Nick Robbins-Cherry, CFO, brings over 30 years of experience in fundraising, public markets and private equity, gained through financial and commercial roles in international pharmaceuticals and technology businesses. Most recently, Nick was CFO of Ixaka Ltd, a private cell and gene therapy company. Prior to this, Nick was CFO at Midatech Pharma PLC, a listed pharmaceutical business with operations in the UK and Spain. He successfully steered Midatech through its IPO on AIM, a dual listing on NASDAQ and subsequent fundraises. Nick is a Chartered Accountant and holds an MBA.

Andrew Calam, VP of Clinical Operations, has over 25 years of experience in the life sciences industry, holding both management and executive positions in the contract research organisation (CRO) and biotechnology sectors, leading and supporting pharmaceutical development. Andrew started his career within the bioanalytical space, before turning his focus to project management. He has a track record of leading multinational teams with responsibility for all aspects of clinical trial management from phase I to phase III trials. Prior to joining Epsilogen, Andrew worked as an Executive Director of Clinical Development at Syneos Health where he was responsible for the development, oversight, execution and management of several clinical programs for targeted cancer therapies.

Elizabeth Hardaker, VP of Biology, joins Epsilogen with over 15 years’ experience in the pharmaceutical industry. Most recently, Elizabeth was a Senior Director at AstraZeneca, leading a team supporting preclinical research in Oncology. Previously, Elizabeth worked at Evotec in the inflammation and immunology group, and Novartis in the respiratory group. Throughout her career Elizabeth has been the biology lead on a number of projects across the drug discovery process, ranging from target validation to clinical trials. Elizabeth has a PhD from the National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College and a Masters in Biochemistry from Bath University.

Tim Wilson, Chief Executive Officer of Epsilogen, commented:
“We are delighted to have Elizabeth, Andrew and Nick join our leadership team and we are pleased that we have been able to attract such high-calibre people to Epsilogen. They join the Company at an exciting stage of its development with lead asset MOv18 IgE having successfully completed a phase I clinical trial in ovarian cancer patients and progress being made within our IgE-based therapeutic platforms.”

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About Epsilogen Ltd
Epsilogen is a global leader in the development of immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies to treat cancer. IgE’s natural function is to provide immunological defense against certain parasites. This functionality makes it an ideal treatment of solid tumours due to its strong potency, enhanced tumour access and long tissue half-life.

Epsilogen’s lead product candidate, MOv18 IgE, is the first therapeutic IgE antibody to enter the clinic and encouraging data from a phase I trial demonstrated MOv18 IgE to be safe and well tolerated with early signs of clinical activity also seen. The company is also developing a proprietary IGEGTM antibody platform combining elements from both IgE and IgG antibodies into novel and proprietary antibody molecules with enhanced functionality.

Epsilogen began operations in 2017 as a spin out of King’s College London and has attracted investment funding from top tier investors including Epidarex Capital, Novartis Venture Fund, British Patient Capital, 3B Future Health Fund, ALSA Ventures and Schroders Capital. Find out more at epsilogen.com.

For more information please contact:

Communications advisor to Epsilogen Ltd:
Simon Conway / Rob Winder
FTI Consulting
epsilogen@fticonsulting.com
+44 (0)20 3727 1000

Financing led by Novartis Venture Fund and joined by new investors 3B Future Health Fund, British Patient Capital, Schroders Capital and Caribou Property alongside founding investor Epidarex Capital and ALSA Ventures

Proceeds from the round will fund continued clinical development of MOv18 IgE in platinum-resistant ovarian cancer and will support further development of IgE-based antibody candidates to treat cancers

London, 2 March 2022 – Epsilogen Ltd, a global leader in the development of novel immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies to treat cancer, announced it has secured £30.75 million ($41.20 million) in an oversubscribed Series B financing round. The round was led by new investor Novartis Venture Fund and joined by new investors 3B Future Health Fund and British Patient Capital, Schroders Capital and Caribou Property. The new syndicate joins founding Series A investor Epidarex Capital and Series A investor ALSA Ventures both of whom also committed further capital in this Series B fundraising round. In connection with the closing of the financing, Dr Marianne Uteng of Novartis Venture Fund and Dr Marianne Bjordal of 3B Future Health Fund will join Epsilogen’s Board of Directors.

The proceeds from the financing will enable Epsilogen to establish clinical proof of concept for lead drug candidate MOv18 IgE in a phase Ib trial in platinum-resistant ovarian cancer, an aggressive cancer with poor treatment alternatives. MOv18 IgE targets the folate receptor alpha (FR alpha) antigen and is the world’s first IgE antibody to enter the clinic. Previously announced data from a phase I trial shows MOv18 IgE to be safe and well tolerated with early signs of clinical activity also seen.

The financing will also enable Epsilogen to progress the development of its proprietary IGEGTM antibody platform which combines elements from both IgE and IgG antibodies into novel and proprietary antibody molecules with enhanced functionality.

Dr Tim Wilson, Chief Executive Officer of Epsilogen, commented: “This significant, new financing round will not only fund demonstration of clinical Proof of Concept for MOv18 but also allow Epsilogen to maintain its position as the leading pioneer in the development of IgE therapeutic antibodies for the treatment of cancer. We are very pleased to have attracted new investors of the calibre of Novartis Venture Fund, 3B Future Health Fund, British Patient Capital, Schroders Capital and Caribou Property. We also appreciate the continued support and investment from our existing investors Epidarex Capital and ALSA Ventures.”

ENDS

About Epsilogen Ltd
Epsilogen is a global leader in the development of immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies to treat cancer. IgE’s natural function is to provide immunological defense against certain parasites. This functionality makes it an ideal treatment of solid tumours due to its strong potency, enhanced tumour access and long tissue half-life.

Epsilogen’s lead product candidate, MOv18 IgE, is the first therapeutic IgE antibody to enter the clinic and encouraging data from a phase I trial demonstrated MOv18 IgE to be safe and well tolerated with early signs of clinical activity also seen. The company is also developing a proprietary IGEGTM antibody platform combining elements from both IgE and IgG antibodies into novel and proprietary antibody molecules with enhanced functionality.

Epsilogen began operations in 2017 as a spin out of King’s College London utilising the world class IgE expertise of Professor Sophia Karagiannis. Initial capital was provided by founding investor Epidarex Capital. Find out more at epsilogen.com.

 

About Novartis Venture Fund
Novartis Venture Fund is a financially driven corporate life science venture fund whose purpose is to foster innovation, drive significant patient benefit and generate superior returns by creating and investing in innovative life science companies at various stages of their development. For more information, go to nvfund.com.

 

About 3B FUTURE Health Fund II
3B Future Health Fund II S.C.A. SICAV-RAIF is a Luxemburg based investment fund with focus on early stage investment opportunities in Europe and the U.S. in areas of high unmet patient need, mainly oncology and rare disease therapeutics. The Fund is the second investment fund sponsored by Riccardo Braglia, Executive Chairman to Helsinn Group, a global pharmaceutical company headquartered in Lugano, Switzerland. For more information, visit: 3bfuturehealth.com.

 

About British Patient Capital
British Patient Capital is the trading name of British Patient Capital Limited, a wholly-owned commercial subsidiary of British Business Bank plc, the UK government’s economic development bank. It forms part of the British Business Bank’s plc’s commercial arm. Its mission is to enable long-term investment in innovative firms led by ambitious entrepreneurs who want to build large scale businesses. Launched in June 2018, British Patient Capital has £2.5bn to invest over 10 years in venture and venture growth capital to support high growth potential innovative UK businesses in accessing the long-term financing they require to scale up. Find out more at britishpatientcapital.co.uk

 

About Schroders Capital
Schroders Capital is a leading global private markets investor and part of Schroders Group. With over USD 70 billion assets under management, the firm manages a range of investment strategies, including private equity, private debt, real estate, infrastructure, securitised products and asset-based finance, insurance-linked securities and impact investing on behalf of institutions, consultants, family offices and individual investors. Schroders Capital operates out of 19 offices globally and employs over 500 professionals, combining global market coverage with local, on-the-ground presence. The private equity team of Schroders Capital provides its clients access to a broad range of private equity opportunities through direct, co-investment, secondaries and primary investments across buyout, growth and venture capital with a focus on fundamental value generation through transformational change. Sustainability is an integrated part of the firm’s investment process and Schroders Capital is rated A+ by the UNPRI. To learn more, please visit schroderscapital.com.

 

About Epidarex Capital
Epidarex Capital is a transatlantic venture capital firm with a track record of building exceptional life science companies in emerging hubs in the US and UK. Epidarex’s experienced team of early stage investors partner with entrepreneurs and leading research institutions to transform world-class science into highly innovative products addressing major unmet needs in the global healthcare market. For more information, visit epidarex.com.

 

About ALSA Ventures
ALSA Ventures is a London based venture capital firm with a focus on novel therapeutics. Supported by a team of highly experienced industry professionals, ALSA seeks to identify and work closely with pioneering entrepreneurs and scientists, complementing the operational strengths of the ALSA team with the vision and scientific excellence of the partners it works with. For more information, visit alsaventures.com.

For more information please contact:

Communications advisor to Epsilogen Ltd:
Simon Conway / Rob Winder
FTI Consulting
epsilogen@fticonsulting.com
+44 (0)20 3727 1000

Expert oncologists will work with Epsilogen to guide the clinical program for its lead candidate, MOv18 IgE

London, 9 November 2020 – Epsilogen Ltd, a global leader in the development of novel immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies to treat cancer, today announces the formation of its Clinical Advisory Board. Comprised of three distinguished gynaecologic oncologists, the advisory group will work closely with Epsilogen as it progresses MOv18 IgE, the company’s lead product, towards phase I/IIa clinical trials. The Clinical Advisory Board includes Dr Robert Coleman, Dr Susana Banerjee and Dr Thomas Herzog.

Dr Tim Wilson, Chief Executive Officer of Epsilogen, commented: “In Dr Coleman, Dr Banerjee and Dr Herzog, we are bringing aboard three of the world’s leading experts in ovarian and gynaecologic cancers. Their advice and guidance will be crucial as we embark on the next stage of Epsilogen’s development, in which our lead product MOv18 IgE will move to phase I/IIa clinical trials and closer to patients. We are thrilled to have formed this Clinical Advisory Board and we look forward to working with them closely over the coming years.”

Clinical Advisory Board Members

Dr Robert Coleman is Chief Scientific Officer at The US Oncology Network, one of the largest networks of integrated, community-based oncology practices in the US. Dr Coleman leads one of the largest research programs in the country drawing from a network of more than 1,000 experienced investigators and dedicated clinical staff who specialise in oncology clinical trials. Dr Coleman’s work has been published extensively in more than 600 peer-reviewed articles, book chapters and textbooks, including over 300 peer-reviewed articles. He is the current President of the International Gynaecologic Cancer Society and has served as President of the Society of Gynaecologic Oncology. He serves on the Board of Directors for GOG-Foundation as is Co-Director for GOG-Partners.

Dr Susana Banerjee, is a Consultant Medical Oncologist and Research Lead for the Gynaecology Unit at The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust and Reader in Women’s Cancers at the Institute of Cancer Research, London, UK. Dr Banerjee has been involved in international specialist groups including the European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) Executive Steering Committee for Gynaecological Cancers, and European Society of Medical Oncology (ESMO) Scientific Committee. She has led national and international trials, authored over 120 peer-reviewed articles and currently serves on the European Society of Medical Oncology (ESMO) Executive Board. Dr Banerjee graduated from Cambridge University and gained a PhD from the Institute of Cancer Research.

Dr Thomas Herzog is the Deputy Director of the University of Cincinnati Cancer Center and an endowed professor of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at the UC College of Medicine. Dr Herzog is a National Institutes of Health and American Cancer Society funded researcher with over 300 published manuscripts. Dr Herzog has served on the board of directors or leadership council of the Society of Gynaecologic Oncology, the Foundation for Women’s Cancer, American College of Surgeons Board of Governors, American Board of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, GOG Foundation and the International Gynaecologic Cancer Society.

About Epsilogen Ltd

Epsilogen is a global leader in the development of immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies to treat cancer. IgE has several key features that make it ideal for the treatment of solid tumours including greater potency, enhanced tumour access and a long tissue half-life.

Epsilogen’s lead product candidate, MOv18 IgE, is the first therapeutic IgE antibody to enter clinical trials and is currently in a phase I study sponsored by Cancer Research UK in ovarian cancer patients. Encouraging Interim data from this trial was presented at the AACR Virtual Annual Meeting in April, with results supporting for the first time, the safety and potential efficacy of an IgE antibody as a treatment for advanced cancer.

The company has raised Series A finance from Epidarex Capital, ALSA Ventures and the UCL Technology Fund.

For more information please contact:

Communications advisor to Epsilogen Ltd:
Simon Conway
Senior Managing Director
FTI Consulting
simon.conway@fticonsulting.com
+44 (0)20 3727 1000