Our Science

IsomAb is taking a different approach to identify, evaluate and develop isoform specific antibodies to treat disease where patients currently have limited or no treatment options.

IsomAb has identified, using a combined bioinformatics/knowledge-based platform approach, ISM-001, which specifically inhibits the VEGF-A₁₆₅b isoform of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor-A (VEGF-A), which is a key protein involved in the regulation of angiogenesis—the process of forming new blood vessels—particularly in ischaemic conditions. Based on 20 years of discovery research by IsomAb’s two founders, the evidence strongly supports that reducing levels of VEGF-A₁₆₅b can promote new blood vessel formation, helping to restore blood flow to tissues.

Many independent studies have confirmed their findings. Researchers have identified that the normal angiogenesis process is dependent on the balance between the two isoforms, VEGF-A₁₆₅a and VEGF-A₁₆₅b. They found that VEGF-A₁₆₅b is up-regulated in PAD patients with diabetes and obesity, with higher levels closely linked to increased disease severity. When VEGF-A₁₆₅b levels are high, the normal angiogenic signaling process that promotes blood vessel growth is inhibited, even in the presence of VEGF-A₁₆₅a. Therefore, blocking the activity of VEGF-A₁₆₅b through targeted therapies could remove this ‘brake,’ allowing VEGF-A₁₆₅a to promote angiogenesis and improve blood supply in ischaemic tissues.

Atherosclerosis, the laying down of fibrofatty deposits on the insides of blood vessels, is a common disease and is the pre-cursor to PAD. The risk factors are well known and include;