Faron Pharmaceuticals Ltd. has announced the publication of a new study in the journal Theranostics, revealing important findings about the Clever-1 receptor—a target of the company’s lead immunotherapy drug, bexmarilimab.

The research identified a secreted, shortened form of Clever-1, called sClever-1, as a key immune blocker in cancer. Clever-1 is normally found on macrophages (a type of immune cell), where it plays a role in suppressing the immune system and promoting tumor growth and spread.

“Our research reveals a new way cancer suppresses the immune system,” said Dr. Maija Hollmén, lead author from the University of Turku. “sClever-1 blocks T-cell activity and creates an immune-suppressing environment. This confirms Clever-1 as a powerful target for cancer treatment.”

The study showed that sClever-1 is released by macrophages and blood vessel cells and binds to activated T cells (key immune fighters), weakening their function and encouraging the growth of suppressive T cells, which help tumors evade the immune system.

The study also found that adding sClever-1 to lab-grown tumors caused a spike in TGF-β, a molecule that further weakens immune responses, strengthening sClever-1’s role as an immune suppressor.

“These findings reinforce our confidence in bexmarilimab’s potential,” said Dr. Petri Bono, Chief Medical Officer of Faron. “By reducing sClever-1, bexmarilimab could help overcome resistance to current immunotherapies. We also see exciting future possibilities for using sClever-1 in autoimmune diseases where calming down the immune system is needed.”