Lifordi's Breakthrough ADC Targets Autoimmune Diseases Without Toxicity

Lifordi Immunotherapeutics has achieved a significant breakthrough in autoimmune treatment with its lead candidate LFD-200, an antibody-drug conjugate that selectively delivers glucocorticoids directly to immune cells. The clinical-stage biotech company presented compelling nonclinical data at the American College of Rheumatology Convergence 2025 meeting, demonstrating that LFD-200 achieves sustained glucocorticoid exposures in immune cells for at least seven days and effectively suppresses proinflammatory cytokines without evidence of toxicity after 13 weekly, clinically relevant doses. Key findings from non-human primate studies showed the therapy dose-dependently reduces inflammatory markers like TNFα and IL-1β while crucially avoiding cortisol suppression and bone density reduction – two major limitations of traditional steroid treatments.

The company simultaneously announced the initiation of its Phase 1 clinical study for Rheumatoid Arthritis, with initial data from healthy participants expected by year-end 2025. President and CEO Arthur Tzianabos emphasized the rapid progress from lab to clinic within just over two years, crediting the company's team, board of directors, clinical advisors, and industry partners. Chief Medical Officer Dr. Matthew W. McClure described the ability to harness glucocorticoid anti-inflammatory effects while limiting systemic toxicities as the "holy grail" of autoimmune treatment for 75 years. The VISTA-targeted delivery approach represents a novel mechanism that could revolutionize how immune and inflammatory diseases are managed. Interested readers can view the detailed poster presentation by clicking here to access the comprehensive research findings.

Lifordi's innovative platform extends beyond LFD-200, applying similar drug delivery technology to diverse payloads including small molecules, antisense oligonucleotides, and siRNA. Backed by prominent venture capital firms ARCH Venture Partners, 5AM Ventures, and Atlas Venture, the company is positioned to transform autoimmune treatment paradigms. With Rheumatoid Arthritis affecting millions worldwide and representing a condition with substantial unmet medical needs, Lifordi's approach addresses the fundamental limitation of current glucocorticoid therapies – their systemic toxicity profile that restricts long-term use despite proven efficacy.