Noxopharm Ltd (ASX:NOX) has been invited to present research from its inflammation-related SofraTM preclinical program in oral format at the upcoming 15th International Congress on Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (LUPUS 2023).
The event, which will be held in Seoul from May 17-20, will feature a large audience of more than 2,000 international participants, including world-renowned experts in autoimmune disease such as lupus.
Noxopharm’s presentation abstract will also be published in Lupus Science & Medicine, the official journal of the Lupus Foundation of America.
Invitation highlights promise of platform
“To be recognised at such a high-profile conference is a great outcome that reflects the promising nature of the Sofra platform,” Noxopharm CEO Dr Gisela Mautner said.
“We are working in close collaboration with the Hudson Institute team on these novel therapeutics, and believe that our findings will receive considerable attention from scientists and other biotech companies.
“There is growing interest in the potential of oligonucleotides to open up new pathways to treatments for a wide range of diseases, and numerous industry participants are looking to complement or add to their existing portfolios as the technology continues to evolve.”
Noxopharm has been developing the Sofra technology platform based on in-licensed technology from Melbourne’s Hudson Institute of Medical Research via NOX’s Pharmorage subsidiary.
Unlike other anti-inflammatory drugs that target end-stage processes, Noxopharm’s short nucleic acid sequences, known as oligonucleotides, allow inflammation to be blocked at its source.
Hudson Institute assistant professor Michael Gantier said: “We are very pleased to see our work with Noxopharm showcased at this prestigious international conference.
“Our goal is to progress this research into treating autoimmune diseases at their source, for illnesses that affect millions of people worldwide.”
Autoimmune diseases in the US alone are estimated to affect 14 to 24 million people, while in Australia, about 20,000 people have lupus.
Autoimmune diseases are on average two times more prevalent in females than males, while lupus is nine times more prevalent in females.
The global immunology market is projected to grow from US$92 billion in 2021 to US$158 billion in 2028.