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News|Videos|July 14, 2023

Investigational C diff Antibody Takes Novel Mechanism of Action Approach

Lumen Bioscience's C diff therapy, LMN-201, combines four therapeutic proteins that act synergistically to neutralize both the C difficile bacterium and the toxin that causes its virulence directly in the patient’s gastrointestinal tract.

In May, Lumen Bioscience announced it had received Fast Track Designation from the FDA for its investigational therapy, LMN-201, an oral biologic for prevention and treatment of C diff. The drug combines therapeutic proteins to neutralize the bacterium and toxin that cause C difficile infection.

Lumen Bioscience Cofounder and CEO Brian Finrow explains LMN-201 is based off former research from Mass Bio and Merck and the creation of an antibody against C diff.

“What they found is that if you make an antibody against the C difficile toxin, the disease in humans is mediated by this toxin called toxin B…If you make an antibody, it'll neutralize the toxins just like snake antivenom.”

A preprint published in BioRxiv discusses LMN-201’s mechanism of action. Lumen is based in Seattle and are a clinical stage biotechnology company. Along with C diff, the company is also involved in developing therapies for IBD, COVID-19, and metabolic disease.

For LMN-201, Finrow says the company is recruiting for a clinical trial and is hopeful the company report topline data in early to mid 2025.

Contagion spoke to Finrow about LMN-201 and their expectations for timelines for clinical trials and beyond.

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