Pepinemab: a SEMA4D antagonist for treatment of Huntington's and other neurodegenerative diseases

Abstract

Introduction: Huntington's Disease (HD) is a progressive fatal neurodegenerative disease with an unmet need for disease-modifying therapies. Neuroinflammation, particularly astrogliosis, plays a crucial role in the pathogenesis of HD and modulation of this damaging activity and its downstream effects presents a promising therapeutic avenue. Pepinemab, a semaphorin 4D (SEMA4D) blocking antibody, has the potential to serve this purpose.

Areas covered: We review the proposed mechanisms of action of pepinemab, published safety and efficacy results from the 'SIGNAL' Phase 2 trial in HD and supporting data from a Phase 1 trial in multiple sclerosis (MS).

Expert opinion: Pepinemab's potential to reduce reactive gliosis and inflammation is a novel mechanism of action (MOA) that may be effective as a standalone therapy as well as one that may complement other strategies to reduce toxic disease associated processes. Pepinemab has demonstrated a favorable safety profile and treatment benefits in fluid biomarkers, imaging endpoints, and measures of cognitive function that encourage continued development in HD and other neurodegenerative diseases.

Keywords: Alzheimer’s disease; Huntington’s disease; SEMA4D; SIGNAL; astrocytes; glial cells; neuroinflammation; pepinemab.