IMO-2134, a TLR9 agonist, is a lead candidate for development in asthma and allergy indications identified under Idera’s collaboration arrangement with Novartis. During the collaboration, Novartis conducted a Phase 1 clinical trial of IMO-2134, also known as QAX935. (Press Release) In February 2010, upon the termination of our research collaboration and option agreement with Novartis, Idera regained development and commercialization rights to IMO-2134. (Press Release)  Idera is evaluating the next steps in developing IMO-2134 in asthma and allergy indications.

Asthma and allergy conditions are characterized by a Th1/Th2 imbalance in the immune system. Currently approved agents for the treatment of asthma and allergy conditions, including steroids and antibodies, are designed to suppress symptoms of allergic or asthmatic response. Idera has created novel agonists of TLR9 through its chemistry-based approach to making TLR-targeted compounds. Idera’s TLR9 agonists have been shown to induce Th1 type immune responses, and have shown encouraging results in preclinical models of allergies.