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

-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.”