Companies To Watch: CytoAgents

By Wayne Koberstein, Executive Editor, Life Science Leader
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Combatting the broad areas of disease stemming from a common cause: cytokine release syndrome

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CytoAgents primarily focuses on developing a single lead drug, coded CTO1681, in multiple indications involving cytokine release syndrome (CRS). Simply stated, CRS is “an overreaction of the immune system, commonly known as cytokine storm.” It has many causes and affects many areas and systems of the body. CTO1681 targets the NF-kB (nuclear factor kappa B) signaling pathway to modulate cytokine production, thus reducing inflammation. NF-kB is a protein transcription factor that regulates innate immunity as well as gene expression that controls inflammation. CytoAgents has early programs in four areas: oncology (with CAR T-cell therapy), dermatology (atopic dermatitis), neurology (traumatic brain injury), and infectious disease (respiratory and COVID-19).