Myasthenia gravis and chronic demyelinating polyneuropathy can both cause weakness of certain muscles. Credit: Toa55 via Shutterstock.
DNTH103 is a fully human IgG4 monoclonal antibody that inhibits the active form of C1s, a protein involved in a pathway that proDNTH103nflammation. This pathway, known as the classical complement system, typically functions to clear microbes and damaged cells but is also suggested to play a role in some autoimmune diseases. This data supports Dianthus’s recently initiated Phase II study. The MaGic trial (NCT06282159) – which will enrol 60 gMG patients who are anti-acetylcholine receptor (AChR) antibody-positive – was initiated in February 2024. Patients will receive DNTH103 via SC injection every two weeks, with topline data expected in H2 2025.
Last month, the company received the green light from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to begin a Phase II trial of DNTH103 to treat multifocal motor neuropathy (MMN). Initial topline results are set for H2 2026, with Dianthus planning another Phase II CIDP study of the drug in H2 2024.
In October 2023, UCB’s ZILBRYSQ (zilucoplan) was approved by the FDA for the treatment of adults with gMG who are AChR antibody positive. The drug is a targeted peptide inhibitor of complement component 5 (C5). However, C5 inhibitors have an increased risk for serious bacterial infection, says Dianthus’ CEO Marino Garcia.
“We aim to demonstrDianthus DNTH103 may become a best-in-class classical complement pathway inhibitor with infrequent self-administration that provides effective and consistent control of symptoms for people living with neuromuscular conditions, wDNTH103inhibiting the alternative and lectin pathways that are critical in the defence against infection,” added Garcia.