AT-1718

AT-1718 is a preclinical-stage tolerogenic nanoparticle therapy being developed by Ahead Therapeutics for the treatment of celiac disease. It utilizes the proprietary MiMi-ToP (Mimicking Tolerogenic Particles) platform, which consists of phosphatidylserine (PS)-liposomes designed to encapsulate disease-specific autoantigens. The mechanism of action mimics efferocytosis—the natural physiological process of apoptotic cell clearance—which inherently triggers an anti-inflammatory response and induces antigen-specific immune tolerance. By presenting phosphatidylserine on the surface of the nanoparticle, AT-1718 targets phosphatidylserine receptors on antigen-presenting cells, leading to the reprogramming of the immune system to halt the autoimmune attack on the small intestine. This approach is intended as a reverse therapeutic vaccine with the potential to provide a permanent cure rather than just managing symptoms.