Science
Podocytes in a kidney glomerulus
A targeted approach for treating Crescentic Glomerulonephritis
DTR8 is a First-In-Class Disease Modifying Drug for the treatment of Crescentic Glomerulonephritis (CGN) with a companion test
Our subcutaneous therapeutic solution is administrated with an auto-injectable pen, during the active phase of the disease, on top of first line treatments for patients with CGN.
This is the first renal therapy that stops the mechanism of crescentic glomeruli formation.
DTR8 is a strong antagonist of HB-EGF
DTR8 designed for outstanding performances
Dr. Daniel Gillet, has designed DTR8 to reduce its size and enhance its ability to reach the glomeruli, to significantly improve its performance and ensure its drugability, resulting in an exceptional affinity for its target.
Left - DTR8 (brownà binding to HB-EGF (green)
Kd < 4 pM
Protects healthy glomeruli
DTR8 binds to HB-EGF, antagonizing its activity and preventing the recognition and activation of its receptor, the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), on the surface of kidney cells. This inhibition blocks the associated intracellular pathways responsible for kidney cell proliferation. As a result, DTR8 prevents the destruction of the glomeruli and preserves kidney function.
With a local, direct and immediate action on glomeuli
Unlike existing therapies, which are aggressive and non-specific, DTR8 offers a targeted approach that focuses on the kidney itself. Current treatments primarily target the immune system and often have a delayed response, taking one to two months during which kidney damage can continue to progress.
Non-crescentic glomeulus (No expression of HB-EGF)
Overexpression of HB-EGF by parietal epithelial cells (PEC) and podocytes proliferating in the shape of a crescent at the periphery of the glomerulus (right). A non-crescentic, normal glomerulus (left) is devoid of HB-EGF staining - Histological sections stained for HB-EGF by immunohistochemistry (brown).
HB-EGF is a key target for treating CGN
Its discovery and validation with a knock-out mouse was published by Pr. PL Tharaux in Nature Medicine and awarded by Inserm for this pioneering work
Crescentic glomerulus with expression of HB-EGF (brown)
Strong IP position & market exclusivity
Publications in high impact factor reviews
Know-How
Industrial process
Key achievements
PK data
Efficacy in pig model
No toxicity in macaques