Gobbling globulins

Syntimmune Inc. is targeting a receptor that mediates the life span and activity of immunoglobulin G to control autoimmune disease more precisely and potentially more safely than broadly acting agents. The company aims to differentiate its lead program from more advanced ones by optimizing the compounds to block multiple functions of the receptor-IgG interaction.

Many autoimmune diseases are held at bay with effective yet toxic agents with broad activity on the immune system. For example, immunosuppressants, B cell-depleting agents and high-dose steroids all increase the risk of infection, and intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) carries risks of renal failure and hemolytic complications...