Summary of the Conference Call for Forte Biosciences Company Overview - **Company**: Forte Biosciences - **Focus**: Development of FV102, an antibody targeting celiac disease and other autoimmune conditions Key Points and Arguments FV102 and Celiac Disease - FV102 is an antibody targeting CD122, involved in the immune response related to celiac disease [4][5] - The Phase 1b trial for celiac disease has shown positive histological and symptom data, with plans for a Phase 2 study to begin soon [5][28] - The trial demonstrated a **42% reduction in gluten-induced symptoms** in the treatment group compared to placebo [24] Mechanism of Action - FV102 blocks the interaction of pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-2 and IL-15, preventing the activation of autoreactive T cells and NK cells [6][7] - The treatment aims to modulate the immune response without significantly affecting regulatory T cells [7] Trial Design and Results - The Phase 1b trial involved **32 subjects** across nine sites in Australia and New Zealand, with a **3:1 randomization** of FV102 to placebo [16] - The trial included a **16-day gluten challenge**, with increasing gluten doses to assess the treatment's efficacy [17] - Histological measurements showed a significant difference in intraepithelial lymphocyte (IEL) density, with a **decrease of 1.5 IELs per 100 enterocytes** in the treatment group compared to an increase of **13.3 IELs in the placebo group** [22] Future Developments - A Phase 2 trial is set to enroll **100 patients**, with a focus on longer gluten exposure and more robust symptom assessment [28] - The Phase 2 study will utilize a **composite analysis** of histological and symptom data, aiming for statistically significant results [41] Safety Profile - The safety profile of FV102 is consistent with previous studies, with only one grade three adverse event reported in the placebo group [26] - Most adverse events were mild, indicating a favorable safety profile for the treatment [26] Additional Insights - The unmet need in celiac disease is significant, with an estimated **2.5 million people affected** in the U.S. alone, many of whom are underdiagnosed [10] - The treatment's ability to reduce gluten-induced symptoms is particularly noteworthy, as many patients reported being able to consume gluten without adverse effects during the trial [25] - The combination of IL-2 and IL-15 blockade is believed to enhance the therapeutic effects of FV102 compared to other treatments currently in development [60] Conclusion - Forte Biosciences is advancing its clinical trials for FV102, showing promising results in treating celiac disease with a focus on both symptom relief and histological improvement. The upcoming Phase 2 trial aims to further validate these findings and explore the treatment's potential in other autoimmune diseases.