The Immune Response Corp. receives T cell receptor peptide vaccination patent

Patent covers combination of key protein sequences for rheumatoid arthritis

The Immune Response Corp. (Carlsbad, CA) has been granted United States Patent 6,090,387 covering methods and compositions relating to its immune-based technology for the preventing and treating rheumatoid arthritis. The patent includes specific claims covering a combination of key protein sequences (peptides) from the Vbeta 3, Vbeta 14, and Vbeta 17 regions present on the surface of aberrant T cells associated with joint destruction in rheumatoid arthritis. By vaccinating with a combination of Vbeta 3, Vbeta 14, and Vbeta 17 peptides, Immune Response believes its product may inhibit the disease-associated T cells and may prevent further damage.

"This is a key patent in that it directly covers the composition of IR501, our investigational therapeutic vaccine in development to treat rheumatoid arthritis," said Richard Bartholomew, executive director of research operations at Immune Response. "The patent strengthens our intellectual property position in the field of T cell receptor peptide vaccine research."

Vaccination with TCR peptide vaccine turns the body's aberrant immune system against disease-causing T-cells.

Immune Response has completed two Phase 2 clinical trials in rheumatoid arthritis using this proprietary immune-based therapy. In a Phase 2b clinical trial of 340 rheumatoid arthritis patients with active disease, the vaccine was shown to be safe and well-tolerated. Results suggested it also provided a significant treatment effect using criteria established by the American College of Rheumatology.

Several autoimmune disorders, including rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, and multiple sclerosis, result from the proliferation of misdirected T cells that incorrectly identify and destroy the individual's own tissue, such as the lining of joints in rheumatoid arthritis. Immune Response seeks to identify unique T cell receptors (TCRs), which are proteins found on the surface of these autoreactive pathogenic T cells. Patients are then vaccinated with portions of these TCR proteins, called TCR peptides, which are specific to these autoreactive T cells. The company believes that this therapy may induce the immune system to eliminate or inhibit the aberrant T cells without affecting other normal cells.

For more information: Richard Bartholomew, The Immune Response Corp., 5935 Darwin Ct., Carlsbad, CA 92008. Tel: 760-431-7080. Fax: 760-431-8636.

Edited by Angelo DePalma
Managing Editor, Drug Discovery Online