VTP-1000 in Adults with Celiac Disease

GLU001 is a first-in-human clinical trial to assess the safety and tolerability of VTP-1000 for adults with celiac disease. This trial will assess VTP-1000 at various dose levels compared to placebo in a single ascending dose (SAD) and multiple ascending dose (MAD) format. Participants will be followed for a short period of time to assess the impact of VTP-1000 on their immune system (Adverse events, reactions in the blood, and physical exam differences). Participants enrolled in the MAD portion of the trial will undergo a gluten challenge to assess the impact exposure to gluten has on participants after administration of VTP-1000.

VTP-1000 is a gluten-derived (GLU) peptide immunotherapy that is designed to induce antigen-specific immune tolerance against gluten in patients with celiac disease. The technology underlying VTP-1000 consists of the sponsor's proprietary self-assembling nanoparticles based on amphiphilic peptides tolerance immunotherapy (SNAP-TI) platform which has been configured to package 12 GLU peptide antigens and rapamycin into nanoparticles of \~20 nm diameter.

The goal of treatment with VTP-1000 is to induce tolerance to gluten in patients with coeliac disease by activating antigen-specific regulatory T (Treg) cells that promote tolerance and reducing pre-existing, pathogenic antigen-specific effector T (Teff) cells that underly disease pathogenesis. In turn, this may allow for better management of the condition.

GLU001 is a multi-center phase I first in human study to assess the safety and tolerability of VTP-1000 in adults with celiac disease. The trial also aims to demonstrate proof-of-principle of induction of immune tolerance and early proof-of-concept for VTP-1000 as a potential treatment for coeliac disease based on assessment of pharmacodynamics and preliminary efficacy determined by means of a controlled gluten challenge.

GLU001 will be conducted as a randomized double-blind placebo-controlled study in two parts - Part A and Part B. Part A will be a single ascending dose (SAD) followed by Part B a multiple ascending dose (MAD) which incorporates a gluten challenge.

Part A (Single Ascending Dose)

A stepwise single dose escalation of 3 dose levels of VTP-1000 is planned. A total of 6 participants will be treated at each dose level (4 will receive VTP-1000 and 2 will receive matched placebo). A sentinel dosing approach will be followed, with the first 2 participants randomized to receive VTP1000 or placebo in a 1:1 ratio. Subsequent participants will be randomized in a 3:1 ratio at least 7 days after the second sentinel participant has received trial intervention. Participants will be screened for eligibility up to 28 days prior treatment. Participants will be followed for 21 days after dosing including a 3-day domicile period following administration of VTP-1000.

Part B (Multiple Ascending Dose)

A stepwise multiple dose escalation of up to 3 dose levels of VTP-1000 is planned. A total of 8 participants will be treated at each dose level (6 will receive VTP-1000 and 2 will receive matched placebo). A sentinel dosing approach will be followed, with the first 2 participants randomized to receive VTP1000 or placebo in a 1:1 ratio. Subsequent participants will be randomized in a 3:1 ratio at least 7 days after the second sentinel participant has received trial intervention. Participants will be screened for eligibility up to 28 days prior to the start of treatment. Eligible participants will receive 3 doses of trial intervention every 2 weeks at a given dose level with and followed for 57 days. After completion of the third dose of trial intervention, participants will undergo a gluten challenge.

Eligibility Criteria:
Inclusion Criteria:

* Diagnosis of celiac disease as confirmed by positive serology and intestinal histology
* Presence of Human Leukocyte Antigen (HLA)-DQ2.5 genotype
* Participants who are on a well controlled gluten restricted diet
* Negative or weak positive anti-tissue transglutaminase (tTG) IgA antibodies and negative or weak positive anti-deamidated gliadin peptide IgG (anti-DGP)-IgA/IgA antibodies
* Non-pregnant or breast feeding females
* No other clinical significant findings at screening

Exclusion Criteria:

* Refractory celiac disease
* Selective IgA deficiency
* Positive for HLA-DQ8
* Known wheat allergy or that is Type I hypersensitivity
* Active inflammatory bowel disease or other condition with symptoms that will be similar to celiac disease