Dimitry Ofengeim
Head of Precision Neurology & Neuroinflammation Cluster Sanofi
Dimitry Ofengeim, Ph.D., is the head of, Precision Neurology and Neuroinflammation in the Neuroscience Research Therapeutic Area at Sanofi, based in Cambridge, MA. He leads a team of scientists focused on understanding the role of neuroinflammation and the CNS innate immune system in Multiple Sclerosis, Alzheimer’s disease and other neurodegenerative diseases. Dr. Ofengeim is an expert in mechanisms of acute and chronic neurodegeneration, and in particular has focused on understanding the interplay between cell death and inflammation in the CNS. His work was among the first to show that a novel form of cell death, called necroptosis, occurs in neurodegenerative diseases including MS, ALS, and Alzheimer’s Disease. Dr. Ofengeim’s recent work has advanced understanding of disease-associated microglial states and functions. Prior to coming to Sanofi, he worked for two years at Biogen in the ALS and MS groups. He was awarded several fellowships from the National MS Society during his time at Harvard, including a postdoctoral fellowship and a career transition fellowship.
Seminars
- CD40L-CD40 interactions are instrumental in activating microglia and other immune cells in the CNS, contributing to the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases. Inhibition of this pathway may reduce neuroinflammation and subsequent neuronal damage
- Sanofi’s investigational anti-CD40L monoclonal antibody, frexalimab, has demonstrated a 41% reduction in plasma neurofilament light chain (NfL) levels, a biomarker of nerve cell damage, in patients with relapsing MS after 48 weeks of treatment. These findings support its potential as a high-efficacy, diseasemodifying treatment for MS
- Studies have indicated that blocking CD40L is generally safe and well-tolerated. For instance, a phase I trial involving a humanized anti-CD40L monoclonal antibody in patients with relapsing-remitting MS reported no serious adverse events and an increase in anti-inflammatory cytokine profiles.
- While targeting CD40L shows promise, challenges remain, including potential risks of immunosuppression and the need for careful patient selection. Further studies are essential to establish long-term safety and efficacy profiles
