IP Group's Istesso upbeat on oral medicine research

(Sharecast News) - IP Group announced on Thursday that its portfolio company Istesso has published peer-reviewed data demonstrating that its new class of oral investigational medicines could promote tissue repair in fibrotic, autoinflammatory, and autoimmune diseases - a first for oral agents in these therapeutic areas. The study, published in the Journal of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, suggested potential applications across a range of chronic conditions involving tissue damage, including rheumatoid arthritis, osteoporosis, sarcopenia, and fibrosis.

It said the findings could significantly alter treatment approaches by shifting the focus from symptom control to active tissue regeneration.

"These findings could redefine how we think about treating chronic diseases," said Istesso chief executive officer Dr Lisa Patel.

"Eliciting tissue repair has long been a goal of medicine.

"This is the first time adaptive tissue repair has been demonstrated with oral agents in these settings."

IP Group said Istesso was planning to present additional results from its research programme at scientific congresses and in future peer-reviewed publications.

Separately, Istesso had appointed Dr Mike Owen as a non-executive director.

A former senior vice-president and head of biopharmaceuticals research at GSK, Dr Owen was bringing more than 40 years of experience in drug discovery and development.

He had overseen portfolios spanning cancer, Alzheimer's, motor neurone disease, and autoimmune conditions.

"I have been following Istesso's bold approach to reversing tissue damage with great interest," said Dr Owen, commenting on his appointment.

"Its promising scientific research into this currently untapped area has the potential to fundamentally change the treatment paradigm for chronic diseases and therefore holds enormous clinical and commercial potential."

At 1357 BST, shares in IP Group were up 2.15% at 57p.

Reporting by Josh White for Sharecast.com.