Desentum, a biopharmaceutical company based in Espoo, Finland, has announced a significant funding round of €12M to further the clinical development of its birch pollen allergy vaccine, DM-101PX. The investment was led by Springvest Oyj, a Finnish investment firm dedicated to supporting the growth of innovative companies.
Desentum’s lead product candidate, DM-101PX, is currently under evaluation in a clinical study in Canada. This potential treatment for birch pollen allergy features DM-101, a modified birch pollen allergen designed to reduce allergy-causing properties, intended for subcutaneous injection. The formulation of DM-101PX aims for a controlled release of the active ingredient, potentially reducing the number of required injections while maintaining treatment effectiveness.
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Expanding Research to Peanut Allergy
In addition to birch pollen allergy, Desentum plans to use the funding to complete preclinical testing of a vaccine for peanut allergy, addressing one of the most common and potentially life-threatening food allergies. The company is also developing additional immunotherapeutic vaccine candidates for treating peanut and grass pollen allergies in preclinical stages.
Promising Preliminary Results
The ongoing study of DM-101PX aims to evaluate the safety, tolerability, and effectiveness of the treatment in reducing allergic symptoms through controlled birch pollen exposure. Preliminary results have shown promising outcomes in terms of safety and symptom reduction, with Desentum looking forward to completing the study and analyzing the final data.
A Commitment to Allergy Treatment Innovation
Founded in 2011 by Pekka Mattila, Desentum is dedicated to developing novel immunotherapeutic hypoallergens, also known as allergy vaccines. These biotechnologically produced, modified allergen proteins aim to improve the efficiency of allergen immunotherapy and reduce treatment duration. The company’s efforts to modify allergen proteins reflect its commitment to enhancing allergen immunotherapy’s efficiency and treatment duration for various allergies.
Desentum’s approach to developing the birch pollen allergy vaccine, which can also be applied to other allergies, signifies a significant advancement in the field of allergy treatment. With the support of Springvest Oyj and other investors, Desentum is poised to make substantial progress in its mission to provide safe and effective treatments for allergies, improving the quality of life for individuals affected by these conditions.
