Biopharmaceutical company Faron Pharmaceuticals Ltd (AIM: FARN) (First North: FARON) announced on Monday that it has filed a patent application for the use of soluble Clever-1 to target activated T-cells in the treatment of autoimmune diseases and inflammatory disorders.

According to the company, its research indicates that soluble Clever-1, secreted by Clever-1-positive macrophages and endothelial cells, binds to T-cells and impairs their differentiation into anti-tumour effectors.

Faron has identified the specific region of Clever-1 that interacts with T-cells, inactivating them. This new patent covers both soluble Clever-1 and its fragments for potential therapeutic applications in autoimmune diseases.

The company plans to develop an optimal drug composition from this discovery, aiming to expand its pipeline beyond oncology, which currently focuses on haematological cancers and solid tumours.