No T-lymphocyte activation or cytokine release in human whole blood in vitro
“MLN0002 did not induce T lymphocyte activation or cytokine release in whole human blood.”
✓ VerifiedFDA pharmacology/toxicology review, p. 10Source ↗
Biodistribution & persistence
Tissue cross-reactivity: monkey staining similar to human, consistent with α4β7 expression; no off-target staining
“Vedolizumab staining pattern observed in Cynomolgus monkey tissues appeared to be similar to that observed in the human tissues and results were stated to be consistent with the pattern of expression of α4β7 integrin. No unanticipated tissue cross-reactivity or off-target staining was observed in TCR studies.”
✓ VerifiedFDA pharmacology/toxicology review, p. 157Source ↗
Modality-specific risk
Loss of CNS immune surveillance (natalizumab-like): not seen in a rhesus monkey EAE model, whereas natalizumab blocked it
“MLN0002 did not appear to inhibit immune surveillance of the CNS as assessed in this model of EAE in Rhesus monkeys. In contrast, natalizumab blocked immune surveillance of the CNS in this model.”
✓ VerifiedFDA pharmacology/toxicology review, p. 155Source ↗
In vitro whole-blood cytokine release far below alemtuzumab/TGN1412 controls; no effects on monkey TDAR, lymphocyte subsets or serum cytokines; ADA in some monkeys