Covant targets clinically validated biology, driven by a drug development engine with highly integrated capabilities.
We are developing a first-in-class oral FcRn inhibitor that will offer advantages over injectable biologics.
FcRn
The neonatal Fc recptor (FcRn) is a cell surface protein that plays a critical role in the trafficking and homestatic regulation of immunoglobulin G (IgG) and human serum albumin (HSA).
While autoimmune disorders are multifactorial in origin, pathogenic IgG autoantibodies are strongly implicated in the pathogenesis of many of these conditions.
FcRn does not distinguish between pathogenic and non-pathogenic IgG during the recycling process; consequently, pathogenic IgG is preserved in the circulation alongside normal IgG, thereby perpetuating autoimmune disease activity.
Validated Therapeutic Strategy
Injectable FcRn inhibitors have received regulatory approval for the treatment of generalized myasthenia gravis, chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy, and immune thrombocytopenia. Injectables have laid the groundwork for indication proofs of concept such that there is a fast path forward for an oral agent in the FcRn space.
Oral Delivery
The convenience of oral FcRn inhibitors may offer route of administration and combination advantages, facilitate earlier intervention, and broaden the spectrum of patients who can benefit from targeted IgG-lowering treatments.
Technology
Our established drug discovery and development engine, NEXUS, integrates capabilities for hit finding, lead optimization, and candidate selection, covering the molecular weight continuum of oral delivery.
We develop "better drugs through covalency" and only maintain the drug-protein covalent bond if safe and pharmacologically advantageous.
- Exploring new opportunities for oral drugs on targets addressed by injectable modalities
- Developing new approaches to target ‘hard to drug’ proteins
We embrace advancements in chemistry, structural, omics, and computational sciences that pave the way for more precise, potent, and diverse therapeutic options across various disease areas, particularly in immunology in inflammation.
