Research to be published in a leading scientific journal reveals how Clever-1 is important in the process of humoral immunity.
Clever-1 is a cell surface receptor shown to control a certain form of immunity.
Data carried by Frontiers in Immunology has suggested that disrupting the function of Clever-1 probably does not lead to the suppression of antibody production.
Rather it could improve humoral immune responses against tumour antigens and during vaccinations.
Antibody named Clevegen
Faron Pharma (LON:FARN) is developing a fully human anti-Clever-1 antibody called Clevegen.
It said the efficacy of anti-Clever-1 antibodies in experimental models supported the development of its potential cancer immunotherapy, which is due to enter the clinic later this year.
Faron chief executive, Dr Markku Jalkanen, said: "This is a fascinating finding and builds up further evidence for the importance to control Clever-1 function in conditions where active immune suppression can cause disease or worsen disease development.
“It provides further scientific rationale for our Vaccination Response Enhancement Technology programme, which is currently under early investigation with Clevegen."
The shares rose 10% to 121p, valuing the business at just shy of £31mln.
Focus on immuno-oncology
The focus on immuno-oncology followed disappointing phase III top-line data from its lead drug, Traumakine for the condition called acute respiratory distress.
Clevegven, meanwhile, is one of a new generation of drugs that help marshal the body’s own immune defences against cancer.
As mentioned above, the technology focuses on Clever-1, a molecule involved in cancer growth and spread, and focuses on tumour associated macrophages, also known as TAMs.
The changes it induces allow immune cells to attack the cancer and stimulate programmed cell death.