Novel targeted therapy and predictive biomarker for autoimmune hemolytic anemia (AIHA)

This technology is a method for detecting and treating immune-related adverse events such as autoimmune hemolytic anemia (AIHA).

Unmet Need: Improved detection and targeted treatment of autoimmune hemolytic anemia (AIHA)

Autoimmune hemolytic anemia (AIHA) is a rare blood disorder characterized by immune-mediated destruction of red blood cells and can arise as a complication of immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy. Diagnosis and management are challenging due to heterogeneous clinical presentation and a lack of reliable predictive biomarkers. Current treatments rely on broad immunosuppression, which can cause significant side effects and fail to address underlying disease mechanisms. Therapies and predictive tools that enable earlier detection and address the root immunological cause of AIHA are poised to provide better options for patients afflicted with AIHA.

The Technology: Method for detecting and treating autoimmune hemolytic anemia (AIHA)

This technology is a dual diagnostic and therapeutic approach for AIHA that identifies disease-associated T-cell populations in patient blood samples, including CD4+CD39+ cells, as predictive biomarkers. This technology also targets these pathogenic T cells subsets by degrading extracellular ATP, reducing CD39 positive T cells lacking CD73, FoxP3 and CD25, which are implicated in AIHA and immune-related adverse events. By addressing these underlying immunological mechanisms, this technology enables both early detection and targeted treatment of AIHA.

This technology has been validated in murine models where expansion of CD39+ T cell populations correlates with AIHA, with similar populations observed in human samples.

Applications:

• Diagnostic assay for early-onset AIHA
• Biomarker for AIHA
• Treatment of immune-related adverse events, including AIHA
• Research tool for studying immune-related adverse events

Advantages:

• Early detection of immune-related adverse events such as AIHA
• Treatment directly targets root immunological cause of AIHA
• Validated model for studying AIHA

Lead Inventor:

Krystalyn E. Hudson, Ph.D.

Patent Information:

Patent Pending

Related Publications:

• Dei Zotti F, Qiu A, La Carpia F, Moriconi C, Hudson KE. “A new murine model of primary autoimmune hemolytic anemia (AIHA).” Frontiers in Immunology. 2021 Nov 15; 12:752330.

• Zotti FD, Qiu A, Miller A, Zimring J, Hudson K. “PL2‐AM23‐SN‐30| Apyrase Reduces Severity of Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia (AIHA) Secondary to Checkpoint Inhibitors in a Mouse Model.” Transfusion. 2023 Oct 3; 63.

Tech Ventures Reference:

• IR CU24097-a

• IR CU24097

• Licensing Contact: Jerry Kokoshka