Evommune, led by CEO Luis Peña, is on a mission of tackling one of the world’s leading root cause of deaths: chronic inflammation, which is linked to more than 100 autoimmune diseases.
“Three in five people die from chronic inflammation,” Peña said, stressing the urgency of tackling this global health crisis. Peña, whose personal connection to autoimmune diseases drives his passion, has leveraged his more than 35 years in biotech to create a company that is pioneering new therapies for inflammatory diseases. With an innovative approach to immunology and a robust pipeline of drug candidates, Evommune is poised to transform the way chronic inflammation is treated, improving outcomes for millions of patients globally.
“My mom has battled autoimmune hepatitis for over 35 years, and it recently led to liver cancer,” he said, underscoring how his family’s struggles with autoimmune diseases inspired him to pursue solutions. His father also suffers from rheumatoid arthritis, and his daughter and wife have been affected by eczema. “You see your own family suffering, and you want to do something about it,” he said.
From Idea to Reality
Evommune’s story began after Peña’s previous company, Dermira, was acquired by Eli Lilly. Investors approached him, eager to back his next venture. With a seasoned team with deep expertise in drug development, Peña established Evommune.
“You can never underestimate the asset of the management team and the people that you bring on board,” Peña’ said. Emotional intelligence and experience are highly valued. “Collectively, our R&D team has 28 successful NDA (new drug application) filings under its belt. And that's really unusual, even at a huge company, to have that kind of experience.”
The company is building a diversified portfolio of drug candidates, a strategy Peña believes is essential in the risky world of biotech. “You can’t be a one-trick pony. You have to focus on multiple shots on goal,” he said.
Evommune’s portfolio approach is designed to balance innovation with high-probability successes. The company focuses on five core programs, three of which have a high probability of success, while two are considered more ambitious. Peña credits his time at Genentech, where he learned the importance of formal portfolio management from mentors like Bob Swanson and Art Levinson, for shaping his strategic thinking.
“You have to blend your portfolio with programs that are innovative but aren’t so complex that they’re likely to fail,” he said.
Milestones and Game-Changing Molecules
Evommune’s most advanced program targets mast cells, a key player in the immune system’s inflammatory response. The lead candidate, an MRGPRX2 inhibitor (EVO756), has shown promising results in a Phase 1 clinical trial, blocking mast cell activity in a skin challenge test.
“It appears very safe, and it looks like we could have a once-a-day oral therapy,” Peña said, noting that the company plans to announce detailed findings at a scientific meeting later this year.
Evommune recently initiated a Phase 2 study for patients with chronic urticaria, a condition characterized by intensely itchy hives that vary in size and can cause significant discomfort. Symptoms often include sleep deprivation, anxiety, depression, fatigue, and social isolation, all of which can drastically reduce a patient's quality of life. In some cases, patients may also experience deeper swelling in the skin or other tissues, known as angioedema. Evommune’s approach, however, goes beyond just treating urticaria. EVO756 has the potential to address a range of mast cell-mediated diseases, including atopic dermatitis, by preventing mast cell activation and reducing inflammation.
Additionally, Evommune recently licensed an IL-18 inhibitor, further expanding its portfolio and underscoring its ambition to become a major player in immunology. Elevated IL-18 cytokine expression is associated with the pathogenesis of multiple inflammatory diseases. By continually seeking innovative therapies that fit within its immunology focus, Evommune is expanding its pipeline and positioning itself as a leader in inflammation science, changing how chronic inflammation is treated.
A Vision for the Future
As Evommune moves its R&D forward, Peña recognizes the growing complexity of operations as the pipeline expands and clinical trials become larger and more complicated. The company currently employs about 45 people and will continue to expand as needed, but Peña is committed to maintaining a lean and efficient operation. “You have to grow accordingly, but we’ve always had a plan,” he said.
Evommune’s disciplined approach and commitment to innovation position the company for continued success in the rapidly evolving field of immunology. With programs already in clinical trials and more in the pipeline, Evommune is well on its way to delivering transformative therapies for patients suffering from chronic inflammation and autoimmune diseases.
“We know we can help people,” Peña says, reflecting the company’s core mission. As Evommune continues to advance its research and expand its portfolio, it is poised to significantly impact global health by tackling one of the world’s most pervasive and deadly conditions. “I've been in biotech R&D my entire career and am always inspired by making patients better. That never changes.”