Scinai’s NanoAbs downregulated key molecular markers overexpressed in plaque psoriasis, and the stratum corneum regained normal appearance in laboratory 3D-skin model.

Scinai Immunotherapeutics Ltd.’s anti‑interleukin 17 (IL‑17) NanoAbs downregulated key molecular markers that are overexpressed in plaque psoriasis, according to preclinical data relased by Scinai.

Results from ex-vivo study in human psoriatic skin anticipated in Q4 2023; In-vivo animal study results anticipated in early 2024.

Scinai’s NanoAbs are alpaca‑derived recombinant variable domain of heavy-chain-only antibodies and are also known as nanobodies or VHH antibodies. 

The NanoAbs were tested in a 3D-biologic skin model constructed out of a scaffold mounted with various skin cells to generate layers that mimic the structure of human skin and induced to express plaque psoriasis. 

Upon introduction of NanoAbs into the model (either topically or subcutaneously), standard molecular markers for psoriasis that are overexpressed in the disease (S100A7, CXCL1, and CCL20) were downregulated and the stratum corneum regained normal appearance. These results suggest NanoAbs’ therapeutic potential to relieve symptoms of plaque psoriasis. In earlier laboratory tests the NanoAbs showed not only high affinity to all three IL-17 isoforms relevant for psoriasis (A, F and AF complex), but also significant neutralization of these isoforms in tissue cultures.

Results from an ex-vivo study in human psoriatic skin anticipated in Q4 2023, and in-vivo animal study results are anticipated in early 2024.