Originating from the TLR platform, InDex has several DNA-based immunomodulatory drugs, DIMS, in development for the treatment of different indications such as inflammation and cancer. The company’s proprietary portfolio includes granted key US patents, licensed exclusively from Johnson & Johnson that function as an IP umbrella, covering the DIMS compounds being developed.

The lead pharmaceutical product Kappaproct^® (DIMS 0150), approved for Orphan Drug Designation in Europe, is entering clinical phase III trials for the treatment of steroid resistent/dependent >ulcerative colitis patients.

A study to amplify steroid effect in reducing intracranial edema in brain tumor patients is in planning. InDex also offers DIMS drugs that significantly increase antibody dependent cell mediated cytotoxicity (ADCC) of the anti-CD20 mAb rituximab on B cells derived from leukemia patients. The enhanced DIMS efficacy is accomplished through a strong induction of a number of CD20 surface receptors. Clinical testing will commence in 2009.

Since other receptors such as CD23 and CD80 are up-regulated by DIMS, InDex is in a strategically compelling position to offer this highly sought after DIMS feature to pharmaceutical players in selling and developing mAb products for use in hematological cancer.

DIMS compounds activate TLR9, but a common upstream pathway does not mean common downstream effects. As with any class of small molecules, each DIMS has its own specific biological effects and this has been crucial for InDex in validating new and unique treatment combinations in disease areas not pursued by others in the TLR field.

Read more about the advantages with DIMS...