Neovacs S.A. announced the recommendation of its Scientific Advisory Board to extend the development of IFN Kinoid to a new indication, Type 1 Diabetes, with the objectives of obtaining preclinical proof of concept in 2017 and initiating clinical development for this program in the first half of 2018. IFN Kinoid is also currently in Phase IIb testing for treatment of Lupus and recently received U.S. FDA Fast Track designation in this indication. The recommendation issued by the company’s scientific advisory Board is based on achieving a high level of immunogenicity after IFN Kinoid administration, in a relevant preclinical model of Type 1 diabetes. Indeed, Neovacs observed in treated NOD-Mice, a significant level of anti-interferon Alpha neutralizing antibodies. This study was conducted by Neovacs in collaboration with Doctor Agnès Lehuen and Professor Christian Boitardfrom the department of Immunology of Diabetes at the Hospital Cochin in Paris2. The rationale for pursuing Type 1 diabetes is further supported by well-established data showing that overexpression of IFNa plays a key role in this autoimmune disease, as also observed in Lupus and dermatomyositis.  In its completed Phase I/IIa study with IFN Kinoid in Lupus, Neovacs demonstrated that IFN Kinoid generated long-lasting anti-interferon polyclonal antibodies that had biological activity capable of neutralizing the IFN signature in humans suffering from Lupus3. In addition, a favorable safety profile was observed. The data obtained with IFN Kinoid in preclinical and clinical studies in Lupus conducted by Neovacs, will also be used for clinical development in Type 1 diabetes. No additional toxicity study will be needed before initiating a clinical trial, thus accelerating the development timeline for this indication.