Noxopharm secures publication in world’s top immunology journal
Clinical-stage biotech Noxopharm (ASX: NOX) has announced the publication of a scientific paper detailing the breakthrough science underlying its proprietary Sofra platform. The company’s research has been published in Nature Immunology, the top-ranking peer-reviewed journal for primary immunology research.
The paper, titled ‘2′-O-Methyl-guanosine RNA fragments antagonize TLR7 and TLR8 to limit autoimmunity’, details the discovery of a novel anti-inflammatory mechanism that underpins the Sofra technology platform. Professor Michael Gantier of Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Noxopharm’s exclusive strategic partner, led the research as principal author. The publication represents more than six years of dedicated research and includes contributions from three Noxopharm employees alongside scientists from the University of Tokyo, Australian National University, Western Sydney University, Integrated DNA Technologies Inc, the Francis Crick Institute, CSIRO, Monash University, and Sydney University.
For investors, publication in a top-tier peer-reviewed journal provides independent validation of the company’s proprietary technology. This credibility milestone strengthens Noxopharm’s position when engaging with potential partners, licensing opportunities, and institutional investors evaluating the platform’s commercial potential.
What is TLR7/TLR8 signalling and why does it matter for autoimmune disease?
Toll-like receptors (TLRs) function as the immune system’s early warning system, detecting viral RNA and triggering defensive responses. TLR7 and TLR8 are specific immune sensors that recognise viral genetic material. When functioning correctly, these sensors activate inflammation to fight infections. However, overactivation of TLR7 and TLR8 can trigger excessive inflammation, leading to autoimmune conditions where the immune system mistakenly attacks the body’s own tissues.
This dysregulation links directly to diseases including lupus, psoriasis, rheumatoid arthritis, and diabetes. The Sofra platform utilises oligonucleotide-based drugs to modulate this immune response, targeting inflammation at its source rather than treating downstream symptoms.
Understanding this mechanism helps investors appreciate the breadth of potential therapeutic applications. The research positions Noxopharm in a scientifically validated, high-value therapeutic space with multiple disease targets addressable through a single platform technology.
The pathway from immune sensor activation to disease development follows three key steps:
- Immune sensor activation: TLR7 and TLR8 detect RNA fragments and trigger immune response
- Inflammation trigger: Overactive sensors cause excessive inflammatory signalling
- Autoimmune disease development: Chronic inflammation damages healthy tissue, leading to autoimmune conditions
Independent US expert endorses breakthrough discovery
Professor Arthur Krieg from UMass Chan Medical School RNA Therapeutics Institute provided expert endorsement of the published research. Professor Krieg is recognised as one of the world’s foremost authorities on oligonucleotides and immune system function, having published more than 250 scientific papers and served as inventor on over 50 patents.
Professor Arthur Krieg, UMass Chan Medical School RNA Therapeutics Institute
“This tour de force from Professor Gantier and his team has transformed our understanding of how immune sensors for viral infections are normally blocked to prevent autoimmunity. Their elegant and fundamental discovery provides a pathway to support the development of new medicines.”
The endorsement carries significant weight for investors evaluating the scientific validity of the Sofra platform. Professor Krieg’s credentials as a non-affiliated, internationally recognised expert in the field reduce perceived scientific risk. His characterisation of the work as a “tour de force” that has “transformed our understanding” signals the research represents a genuine advance rather than incremental progress.
Third-party validation from leading academics strengthens Noxopharm’s position when discussing the technology with potential pharmaceutical partners or licensing counterparties. It provides objective confirmation that the underlying science meets rigorous standards expected in the biotechnology sector.
Collaborative research underpins commercial development
The publication demonstrates the breadth of scientific collaboration supporting the platform’s development. Beyond the lead institutions, contributing organisations included:
- University of Tokyo
- Australian National University
- Western Sydney University
- Integrated DNA Technologies Inc
- Francis Crick Institute
- CSIRO
- Monash University
- Sydney University
Three Noxopharm employees appear as co-authors on the paper, demonstrating the company maintains genuine internal scientific capability rather than relying solely on external licensing arrangements. Professor Gantier noted the publication represents the culmination of collaborative effort: “After working in autoimmunity for over two decades, the publication of this landmark paper is the result of more than six years of research from my team working in close collaboration with Noxopharm.”
For investors, the collaborative ecosystem evidences that Noxopharm operates within a credible research network with access to world-class scientific expertise. The company’s direct involvement as co-authors signals it possesses the technical capability to advance the platform through subsequent development stages.
Market opportunity and next steps for the Sofra platform
The publication positions Noxopharm to capture attention in substantial addressable markets. The global autoimmune disease therapeutics market was valued at US$163.2 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach US$219.6 billion by 2035. The immuno-oncology market, another potential application area for the platform, was worth US$43 billion in 2023 with projections indicating growth to US$284 billion by 2033.
| Market Segment | 2023/24 Value | Projected Value | Growth Period |
|---|---|---|---|
| Autoimmune therapeutics | US$163.2B | US$219.6B | 2024-2035 |
| Immuno-oncology | US$43B | US$284B | 2023-2033 |
CEO Dr Gisela Mautner indicated the publication timing may accelerate commercial interest in the platform. She stated: “Following the publication of the paper, we now expect even greater interest in our work as the word spreads about our technology and its potential.” This signals potential for partnership discussions or licensing arrangements as the company’s scientific credibility increases within the pharmaceutical industry.
Dr Gisela Mautner, CEO and Managing Director
“Publication of this collaborative work in a peer-reviewed journal as prestigious as Nature Immunology is clear evidence that we are building our Sofra platform on very solid foundations.”
The publication provides a validation milestone that reduces technical risk perception among potential partners evaluating the platform for licensing or collaboration opportunities.
Therapeutic applications in development
The Sofra platform has potential applications across multiple disease areas, reducing single-program risk for investors. Target conditions include:
- Lupus
- Psoriasis
- Diabetes
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Cancer
SOF-SKN has emerged as a pioneering solution for autoimmune skin conditions. Beyond direct therapeutic applications, the platform extends to RNA therapeutics enhancement and vaccine development.
The platform approach enables value creation across diverse indications from a single core technology. This positions Noxopharm to address multiple markets with US$163.2 billion in combined current value, growing to over US$500 billion by the mid-2030s based on market projections. The publication in Nature Immunology strengthens the scientific foundation supporting this multi-indication strategy.
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