Chemomab Therapeutics announced new scientific data supporting the potential of nebokitug (CM-101) as a novel treatment for systemic sclerosis (SSc). The data, presented at the 8th International Congress on Controversies in Rheumatology and Autoimmunity (CORA 2025), further validates the mechanism of action of nebokitug, a monoclonal antibody that blocks CCL24, a protein implicated in SSc. This research builds upon existing preclinical and clinical evidence suggesting CCL24 plays a crucial role in the inflammation and fibrosis characteristic of SSc.
This development is particularly important because SSc is a severe, often fatal autoimmune disease with no approved disease-modifying therapies. The research offers hope for patients suffering from this debilitating condition, potentially leading to a treatment that addresses the underlying causes of the disease rather than just managing symptoms. The findings could significantly improve patient outcomes and quality of life, addressing a significant unmet medical need.
The new research, conducted in collaboration with Dr. Alexandra Balbir-Gurman, utilized skin and serum samples from SSc patients and a mouse model to investigate the impact of nebokitug on immune cells. The study identified specific immune cell populations with altered expression of CCR3, the receptor for CCL24, linking them to SSc and its complications. This further solidifies the rationale for targeting CCL24 with nebokitug. The findings also correlate with a 2024 publication demonstrating a link between elevated CCL24 levels and severe SSc manifestations, including skin fibrosis, lung disease, and increased mortality risk. Positive data from Chemomab’s Phase 2 SPRING trial of nebokitug in primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC), another fibro-inflammatory disease, further supports the drug’s potential in SSc, demonstrating its dual anti-inflammatory and anti-fibrotic mechanism.
This new data strengthens Chemomab’s position in developing a much-needed treatment for SSc. With an open U.S. Investigational New Drug (IND) application for a Phase 2 SSc trial, the company is poised to advance nebokitug’s clinical development. The research provides further impetus for this next stage, suggesting a promising path toward a potential new therapeutic option for SSc patients. Further research and clinical trials will be crucial to validate these findings and ultimately bring this potential therapy to patients.
Jon Napitupulu is Director of Media Relations at The Clinical Trial Vanguard. Jon, a computer data scientist, focuses on the latest clinical trial industry news and trends.
