Nucleome Nominates NTP464: First Antibody Agonist for Inflammation Resolution

R&D Pipeline News January 21, 2026

First Preclinical Development Candidate for Nucleome Therapeutics: First-in-class Monoclonal Antibody Agonist for Inflammation

Nucleome Therapeutics (Oxford, UK) has announced a significant milestone: the nomination of its first preclinical development candidate, NTP464. This asset represents a first-in-class monoclonal antibody agonist program designed to actively promote the resolution of inflammation, offering potential applications across a broad spectrum of autoimmune conditions.

The nomination follows a period of intense scientific progress for the company, which utilizes cutting-edge 3D human genetics to uncover the molecular mechanisms driving disease.

The Engine: Micro Capture-C (MCC) Platform

Central to Nucleome’s success is its proprietary Micro Capture-C (MCC) platform. This lab-based technology maps physical interactions within the genome at unprecedented resolution. When combined with machine learning and advanced computational analysis, MCC enables scientists to decipher exactly how non-coding genetic variation influences gene regulation in human disease.

“We have created the most comprehensive physical map of molecular mechanisms in inflammatory disease and continue to enhance this with emerging data. This means we can now uncover causal drivers of disease in humans, in areas of the greatest unmet patient need.” – Dr. Mark Bodmer, CEO of Nucleome Therapeutics

Uncovering a New Inflammation Checkpoint

NTP464 targets a previously unrecognized inflammation checkpoint identified using Nucleome’s genetic methods. By analyzing how genetic variants associated with autoimmune disease alter three-dimensional interactions between regulatory elements and protein-coding genes, the company uncovered a key multi-cellular regulator.

In healthy individuals, this mechanism restores immune balance. However, it becomes dysregulated in chronic diseases such as:

• Rheumatoid Arthritis
• Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE)
• Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)

Preclinical Efficacy: Resolving, Not Just Suppressing

The nominated monoclonal antibody agonist has demonstrated strong potency, selectivity, and developability. Preclinical testing revealed a unique dual-action profile:

Inhibition Inhibits the activation of B cells, T cells, and macrophages, dampening the inflammatory storm.

Promotion Actively promotes the suppressive activity of regulatory T cells (Tregs) to restore balance.

These effects support a novel therapeutic principle focused on actively resolving inflammation rather than simply suppressing immune responses. The NTP464 program will now progress towards investigational new drug (IND)-enabling studies.