Singapore: Glenmark Pharmaceuticals has started the discovery and initiation of IND enabling studies of a novel clinical development anti-OX40 monoclonal antibody. GBR 830. 

The drug candidate has been discovered and developed by the Glenmark Biologics Research Center, located in La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland. GBR 830 is a potential global first-in-class molecule.

The development of OX40 antagonists has been very challenging. Glenmark has achieved a significant milestone with the successful generation of an antagonistic OX40 monoclonal antibody coupled with generation of data validating the role of OX40 in autoimmune diseases.

GBR 830 shows great promise to emerge as a valuable therapeutic option to treat patients suffering from immune pathologies such as autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).

Commenting on this milestone, Dr Michael Buschle, chief scientific officer and president, biologics, Glenmark Pharmaceuticals, mentioned that, "GBR 830 is a tremendous achievement for us. No antagonistic antibodies targeting OX40 are currently in clinical stage of development. We are confident that the antibody expertise and product development capabilities of the Switzerland Biologics Research Center will continue to enrich the Glenmark discovery pipeline."