HXN-1002

HXN-1002 is a bispecific antibody designed to simultaneously target both α4β7 integrin and TL1A (tumor necrosis factor superfamily member 15). By inhibiting these two clinically validated targets, the drug aims to provide enhanced efficacy for patients with moderate to severe ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease, particularly those who are refractory to existing therapies. The mechanism involves blocking cell adhesion and activation mediated by MAdCAM-1 via α4β7 inhibition (similar in activity to vedolizumab), as well as neutralizing TL1A signaling. Preclinical studies have shown that dual targeting leads to increased internalization and degradation of α4β7, resulting in sustained downregulation of its expression on immune cells. This approach is intended to overcome the "therapeutic ceiling" observed with single-target biologics in inflammatory bowel disease. The drug was developed using advanced AI-driven protein engineering platforms by Earendil Labs and Helixon Therapeutics, with Sanofi holding an exclusive global license for further development[1][3][6][9].