Expanding the envelope

Until now, immunology play NovImmune S.A. has tried its hand at improving on compounds against medically validated targets and generating difficult-to-make antibodies with improved safety and efficacy. With a fresh CHF58 million ($46 million) from a series B round, the company will step up its efforts in the less thoroughly explored area of leukocyte migration.

Based on the initial strategy, the company already has its NI-0401 anti-CD3 human antibody in a Phase I/IIa trial in Crohn's disease. Results are due at the end of 2007. A second human MAb, NI-0501 against interferon gamma, is poised to enter the clinic. ...