Apeiron Biologics

APEIRON is a privately-held European biotechnology company focused on the discovery and development of novel cancer immunotherapies. Founded in 2005, the company is based in Vienna, Austria. APEIRON collaborates with leading global pharmaceutical companies and academic institutions. The company received EU marketing approval for APN311 (Dinutuximab beta, Qarziba) in 2017 for treatment of pediatric neuroblastoma an out-licensed global, exclusive rights to EUSA Pharma for this product.

APEIRON leverages its proprietary master checkpoint blockade mechanism to enable the human body’s natural defense mechanisms to fight tumors. APEIRON’s lead clinical program APN401 is a first-in-class autologous cellular therapy to enhance immune reactivity via an intracellular immune master checkpoint, Cbl-b.

APEIRON is developing treatments for COVID-19, including APN01, a recombinant human form of Angiotensin Converting Enzyme 2 (ACE2), the receptor used by the coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 to gain entry into cells. APN01 is designed to treat PAH and ALI/ARDS, which are severe lung conditions that can occur with COVID-19. A Phase I study has been initiated in Austria, Germany, and Denmark. A clinical study in China is also planned. The drug would work by binding of the recombinant ACE2 to the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein, preventing it from interacting with ACE2 receptors on the cells in the lungs.