Morphic Demonstrates Novel Real-Time Visualization of Small Molecule α4β7 Inhibition of Gut-Trafficking Cells

Rhea-AI Summary

Morphic Therapeutic (Nasdaq: MORF) presented groundbreaking preclinical data at the Digestive Disease Week 2024, showcasing the real-time visualization of their small molecule α4β7 inhibitor, MT-108, on B cell movement in the gut. Using Spinning Disk Intravital Microscopy (IVM), the study demonstrated that MT-108 significantly increases the velocity and flux of lymphocytes in gut-associated lymphoid tissues (GALT), comparable to the anti-α4β7 antibody DATK32. This inhibition prevents lymphocyte migration into gut tissues, a key factor in inflammatory bowel disease. The data highlights MT-108's potent and selective impact on immune cell trafficking similar to monoclonal antibodies, providing a new avenue for oral integrin therapies.

Positive

• Morphic's MT-108 small molecule α4β7 inhibitor demonstrates efficacy comparable to monoclonal antibody DATK32.
• Preclinical data shows MT-108 increases lymphocyte velocity and flux in the gut, preventing migration into tissues like Peyer’s patches.
• Real-time visualization using IVM provides clear, quantifiable evidence of MT-108's impact.
• MT-108 offers potential as a potent oral therapy for inflammatory bowel disease.

Negative

• Data presented is preclinical, requiring further validation in human trials.
• No financial data or revenue impact from these findings is provided in the PR.
• Potential investor concern over the long timeline to translate preclinical success to marketable therapy.

Insights

Medical Research Analyst

The recent findings on Morphic Therapeutic’s MT-108 demonstrating real-time visualization of lymphocyte trafficking present significant advancements in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) treatment research. This small molecule α4β7 inhibitor, showing efficacy comparable to monoclonal antibodies like vedolizumab, is a noteworthy development. Small molecule drugs, unlike biologics, offer advantages such as oral administration, potentially improving patient compliance and reducing treatment costs.

From a scientific viewpoint, the real-time in vivo data provided by Spinning Disk Intravital Microscopy (IVM) offers compelling visual evidence of MT-108's efficacy, enabling precise quantification of its effects on lymphocyte dynamics. This visualization is a critical step forward, as it allows researchers to observe and measure the direct impact of the drug in a living system, thereby enhancing our understanding of its mechanism of action.

For stakeholders, this data supports MT-108's potential as a viable alternative to current monoclonal antibody therapies. However, it's important to note that these are preclinical findings. The next stages of clinical trials are essential to confirm these results in human subjects. If successful, this could position Morphic Therapeutic as a key player in the IBD treatment market, offering a more accessible and cost-effective therapy.

Market Research Analyst

From a market perspective, Morphic Therapeutic’s announcement is significant due to the potential market disruption their small molecule α4β7 inhibitor, MT-108, could introduce. Monoclonal antibody treatments, such as vedolizumab, dominate the current IBD therapeutic landscape but are limited by high production costs and the need for intravenous administration. An oral small molecule alternative could appeal to both healthcare providers and patients.

Given the substantial market for IBD treatments—estimated to reach $9.8 billion by 2027—Morphic’s MT-108 could capture a significant market share if it proves efficacious through clinical trials. The convenience of oral administration and potentially lower costs could drive rapid adoption among patients and clinicians, especially if supported by strong clinical data.

However, investors should consider the inherent risks associated with drug development, including the lengthy and uncertain nature of clinical trials. While the preclinical data is promising, it is critical to follow the progress of MT-108 through its clinical phases. Success in these trials could lead to significant financial gains for Morphic Therapeutic and its investors, while setbacks could impact its stock negatively.

Financial Analyst

Morphic Therapeutic’s announcement shows the potential for significant future revenue streams from their small molecule α4β7 inhibitor, MT-108. The ability of MT-108 to offer comparable efficacy to monoclonal antibodies like vedolizumab, but with the advantages of oral administration, could lead to greater market penetration and patient adherence, thereby increasing sales and profitability.

Financially, successful development and commercialization of MT-108 could mean a substantial increase in Morphic’s revenue, positively impacting their stock price. Investors should look at the company's current financial health, including cash reserves and burn rate, to assess its ability to fund ongoing and future clinical trials. Partnerships or collaborations with larger pharmaceutical companies could also provide financial stability and resources for Morphic's development programs.

It is worth noting the potential reduction in treatment costs with small molecules compared to biologics. This could make MT-108 an attractive option in markets with cost containment pressures. The upcoming clinical trial results will be a critical factor in determining the financial viability and future market success of MT-108, which could translate into strong long-term returns for investors.

-α4β7 Inhibition Rapidly Increases the Rolling Velocity and Flux of B Cells in Gut-associated Lymphoid Tissues-

-Impact of Potent and Selective Small Molecule Inhibitor Comparable to Monoclonal Antibody Activity-

-Preclinical Findings Presented at Digestive Disease Week 2024-

WALTHAM, Mass., May 21, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Morphic Therapeutic (Nasdaq: MORF), a biotechnology company developing a new generation of oral integrin therapies for the treatment of serious chronic diseases, announced the presentation of new data, using Spinning Disk Intravital Microscopy (IVM), that provides real-time, in vivo visualization of the impact of α4β7 inhibition on lymphocyte trafficking in mouse gut-associated lymphoid tissues (GALT). These data were presented in a poster session at Digestive Disease Week (DDW) 2024 meeting.

This real-time footage and the associated data for B cell movement clearly demonstrate that MT-108, a potent and selective small molecule α4β7 inhibitor, leads to increased velocity and flux of rolling lymphocytes. This activity subsequently prevents lymphocyte migration into gut tissue, including Peyer’s patches, which is a key component of inflammatory bowel disease. Notably, MT-108 impacted B cell trafficking with similar speed of onset and efficacy as the anti-α4β7 blocking antibody DATK32, a murine analog of the monoclonal antibody vedolizumab. The onset and extent of α4β7 inhibition can be visualized by the increased velocity of B cells when comparing the lymphocyte movement prior to compound administration. In the absence of inhibitor, cells are slowed by their binding of α4β7 with the ligand MAdCAM-1. Following administration of MT-108, the immune cells transit more quickly through the vessel as a result of inhibition of α4β7-mediated adhesion and fewer cells are seen affixed to vessel walls.

Videos showing the changes in leukocyte movement in vivo can be viewed for the small molecule α4β7 inhibitor and the test vehicle. The poster presented at DDW can be found on the Morphic website.

“These new data demonstrate not only that a small molecule α4β7 inhibitor drives changes comparable to a monoclonal antibody but also provide stunning real time in vivo visualization of this activity. Unlike other in vivo models, IVM enables the viewer to experience visually the changes Morphic’s small molecule α4β7 inhibitor rapidly imparts on lymphocyte trafficking to gut tissues and allows the scientist to quantify those effects,” commented Bruce Rogers, PhD, President of Morphic Therapeutic. “Importantly, the onset of activity, and efficacy of our small molecule α4β7 inhibitor are virtually identical to the effects on cells by DATK32, a murine analog of ENTYVIO™.”

DDW Session: 9370

Poster Tu1738: Real-Time Inhibition Of Integrin α4β7 By A Small Molecule Inhibitor Impairs B Lymphocyte Adhesion In Murine Peyer’s Patches

Authors: Allison Sang¹, Björn Petri², Naresh S. Redhu¹, Dooyoung Lee¹, Danielle Granata¹, Michael Rowe¹, Bryce Harrison¹, Matthew Bursavich¹, Bryan Goodwin¹, Bruce N. Rogers¹, Kamala D Patel³, and Jamie Wong¹

¹Morphic Therapeutic, 35 Gatehouse Drive, Waltham, Massachusetts, USA, 02451, ²Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Snyder Institute for Chronic Diseases, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada, ³Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Snyder Institute for Chronic Diseases, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada.

ENTYVIO is a registered trademark of Millenium Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

About Morphic Therapeutic  
Morphic Therapeutic is a biopharmaceutical company developing a portfolio of oral integrin therapies for the treatment of serious chronic diseases, including autoimmune, cardiovascular, and metabolic diseases, fibrosis, and cancer. Morphic is also advancing its pipeline and discovery activities in collaboration with Schrödinger using its proprietary MInT technology platform which leverages the Company’s unique understanding of integrin structure and biology. For more information, visit www.morphictx.com.  

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements  
This press release contains “forward-looking” statements within the meaning of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and of the “safe harbor” provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including, but not limited to: the MInT platform’s ability to discover drug candidates and our plans to develop and commercialize oral small-molecule integrin therapeutics, including MT-108 which is not expected to be developed or commercialized. Statements including words such as “believe,” “plan,” “continue,” “expect,” “will be,” “develop,” “signal,” “potential,” “anticipate” or “ongoing” and statements in the future tense are forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties, as well as assumptions, which, if they do not fully materialize or prove incorrect, could cause our results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that may cause our actual activities or results to differ significantly from those expressed in any forward-looking statement, including risks and uncertainties in this press release and other risks set forth in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including, among others, our or a partner’s ability to complete a current or future clinical trial of any of our current or future product candidates, our ability to develop or obtain regulatory approval for or commercialize any product candidate, our ability to protect our intellectual property, and the sufficiency of our cash, cash equivalents and investments to fund our operations. These forward-looking statements speak only as of the date hereof and we specifically disclaim any obligation to update these forward-looking statements or reasons why actual results might differ, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law. 

Contacts
Morphic Therapeutic
Chris Erdman
chris.erdman@morphictx.com
617.686.1718

A video accompanying this release is available at: https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/c92d5173-1e6d-4814-9e8f-17e50fa19582

FAQ

What did Morphic Therapeutic present at Digestive Disease Week 2024?

Morphic presented preclinical data demonstrating real-time visualization of their small molecule α4β7 inhibitor, MT-108, on B cell movement in the gut using Spinning Disk Intravital Microscopy (IVM).

What is the impact of the small molecule α4β7 inhibitor MT-108?

MT-108 significantly increases the rolling velocity and flux of B cells in gut-associated lymphoid tissues, preventing their migration into gut tissues, similar to the effects of the monoclonal antibody DATK32.

How does MT-108 compare to monoclonal antibodies?

MT-108's impact on lymphocyte trafficking is comparable to the anti-α4β7 antibody DATK32, showing similar speed of onset and efficacy.

What technology did Morphic use to visualize the effects of MT-108?

Morphic used Spinning Disk Intravital Microscopy (IVM) to provide real-time, in vivo visualization of MT-108's effects on lymphocyte movement.

What is the significance of MT-108 for inflammatory bowel disease?

MT-108's ability to prevent lymphocyte migration into gut tissues, including Peyer’s patches, highlights its potential as a new oral therapy for inflammatory bowel disease.