Equillium Announces Poster Presentations at the 7th International AHR Conference

The preclinical findings describe EQ504’s effects on intestinal barrier repair and inflammatory immune pathways.

Rhea-AI Summary

Equillium (Nasdaq: EQ) will present new EQ504 preclinical findings in two posters at the 7th International AHR Conference in Porto, Portugal.

The conference runs September 29 to October 2, 2026. One poster describes effects on intestinal barrier integrity across laboratory, translational and animal models, including regulation of proteins that seal gaps between cells and inflammatory signals. The other describes suppression of pro-inflammatory immune pathways and enhancement of regulatory pathways that support immune tolerance and tissue repair. Equillium views these preclinical findings as supporting EQ504’s potential for ulcerative colitis and other immune-mediated disorders; they are not human clinical results.

Positive

• Minor pointEQ504 preclinical findings show intestinal barrier protection through complementary epithelial and immune-regulating mechanisms across multiple model types.
• Minor pointEQ504 preclinical immune findings show suppression of pro-inflammatory pathways and enhancement of regulatory pathways supporting tissue repair.

Negative

• None.

Key Terms

in vitro, tight-junction proteins, cytokines

3 terms

in vitro technical

"Across in vitro, translational, and in vivo models"

In vitro describes laboratory tests performed on cells, tissues, or biological molecules outside a living body—literally “in glass,” such as in test tubes or dishes. For investors, in vitro results are an early sign that a drug or technology has a desired effect under controlled conditions, but they don’t guarantee it will work or be safe in animals or people; think of them as a prototype tested on a bench rather than in real-world use.

tight-junction proteins medical

"including regulation of tight-junction proteins"

Proteins that form the sealing structures between adjacent epithelial or endothelial cells, creating a controlled barrier that prevents free passage of water, ions and larger molecules through the spaces between cells. Tight-junction proteins include transmembrane components (for example claudins and occludin) that physically block or selectively allow passage, plus intracellular scaffolding proteins (for example ZO proteins) that anchor the junctions to the cell’s internal skeleton; the assemblies are dynamic and can be tightened or loosened by cellular signals, which changes how much passes between cells. Because they set the paracellular permeability and participate in cell signaling, tight-junction proteins are central to functions such as the gut, kidney and blood–brain barriers and are implicated when those barriers fail or are regulated.

cytokines medical

"inflammatory chemokines, and homeostatic cytokines"

Small proteins produced by immune and other cells that act as on/off signals or “text messages,” telling cells to ramp up, calm down, grow, or move during infection, injury, or disease. Investors watch cytokines because they are common drug targets and biomarkers—changes in cytokine activity can make a therapy work, cause serious side effects, or determine clinical trial and regulatory outcomes, all of which affect a company’s value.

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New preclinical data further characterize EQ504’s effects on epithelial barrier repair and immune regulation

LA JOLLA, Calif., Sept. 29, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Equillium, Inc. (Nasdaq: EQ), a biotechnology innovator developing novel therapies to treat severe autoimmune and inflammatory disorders, today announced that new preclinical data from its EQ504 program will be presented in two posters at the 7th International AHR Conference, taking place September 29 to October 2, 2026, in Porto, Portugal.

“These studies further characterize the multi-modal activity of EQ504, including its effects on epithelial barrier repair and key immune pathways involved in inflammation,” said Dr. Stephen Connelly, Chief Scientific Officer of Equillium. “Together, the findings add to the growing body of preclinical data supporting the potential of selective AhR modulation as an approach to treating ulcerative colitis.”

Details of the poster presentations:

Title: Selective AhR Activation Suppresses Epithelial Chemokine Production and Promotes Barrier Repair Responses in Translational Models of Ulcerative Colitis
Abstract Number: P.43
Poster Number: 89
Lead Author: Valeria Marrocco, Mary Casis, Michelle Vu, A.J. Giovannone, Jeanette Ampudia, Phoi Tiet, Stephen Connelly
Presentation Type: Poster Session
Presentation Summary: EQ504 engages AhR to protect intestinal barrier integrity through complementary epithelial and immune-modulatory mechanisms, including regulation of tight-junction proteins, inflammatory chemokines, and homeostatic cytokines. Across in vitro, translational, and in vivo models, these findings support the therapeutic potential of EQ504 for the treatment of ulcerative colitis.

Title: AhR Modulation by EQ504 Restores Immune Balance by Suppressing Pathogenic Th17/M1 Responses While Enhancing Regulatory Pathways
Abstract Number: P.39
Poster Number: 84
Lead Author: Jeanette Ampudia, Rosa Closser, Phoi Tiet, Valeria Marrocco, Stephen Connelly
Presentation Type: Poster Session
Presentation Summary: EQ504 promotes immune tolerance by modulating AhR signaling to coordinate both adaptive and innate immune responses, increasing tolerance while suppressing pro-inflammatory pathways. This unique immunoregulatory profile supports tissue repair and intestinal homeostasis, highlighting EQ504's potential as a therapeutic approach for inflammatory bowel disease and other immune-mediated disorders. 

Following each presentation, the posters will be available on the Presentations page located under the Technology section of equilliumbio.com.

About EQ504
EQ504 is an investigational potent and selective aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) modulator with a multi-modal, non-immunosuppressive mechanism of action designed to be complementary to other inflammation and immunology agents. AhR is critical to barrier organ tissue physiology and immunology, maintaining barrier function and promoting tissue repair and regeneration, while regulating resident immune cells with anti-inflammatory responses. EQ504’s preclinical properties provide the potential for targeted, local delivery via enteric coating for the treatment of ulcerative colitis and other gastrointestinal diseases or inhaled formulations for the treatment of inflammatory lung diseases.

About Equillium
Equillium is a biotechnology innovator with a mission to develop highly impactful therapies to treat severe autoimmune and inflammatory disorders. 

For more information, visit www.equilliumbio.com.

Forward Looking Statements
Statements contained in this press release regarding matters that are not historical facts are “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements may be identified by the use of words such as “anticipate”, “believe”, “could”, “continue”, “expect”, “estimate”, “may”, “plan”, “outlook”, “future”, “potential” and “project” and other similar expressions that predict or indicate future events or trends or that are not statements of historical matters. These statements include, but are not limited to, statements regarding Equillium’s plans and strategies with respect to developing EQ504, including the initiation of clinical studies and the reporting of data therefrom; the expected timeline for initiating and reporting data from a Phase 1 study of EQ504; and the potential benefits of EQ504. Because such statements are subject to risks and uncertainties, many of which are outside of Equillium’s control, actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Risks that contribute to the uncertain nature of the forward-looking statements include: Equillium’s ability to execute its plans and strategies; Equillium’s ability to continue as a going concern; risks related to performing clinical and pre-clinical studies; whether the results from clinical and pre-clinical studies will validate and support the safety and efficacy of Equillium’s product candidates; changes in the competitive landscape; and Equillium’s ability to raise sufficient financing, which may not be available on acceptable terms or at all, to advance EQ504 and fund Equillium’s strategic plans. These and other risks and uncertainties are described more fully under the caption "Risk Factors" and elsewhere in Equillium's filings and reports, which may be accessed for free by visiting the Securities and Exchange Commission’s website and on Equillium’s website under the heading “Investors.” Investors should take such risks into account and should not rely on forward-looking statements when making investment decisions. All forward-looking statements contained in this press release speak only as of the date on which they were made. Equillium undertakes no obligation to update such statements to reflect events that occur or circumstances that exist after the date on which they were made, except as required by law.

Investor Contact
PJ Kelleher
LifeSci Advisors, LLC
+1-617-430-7579
pkelleher@lifesciadvisors.com 

FAQ

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What do Equillium’s EQ504 preclinical posters report?

The posters report intestinal barrier protection and immune regulation in preclinical models. One covers regulation of tight-junction proteins, which help seal gaps between cells, and inflammatory signals. The other describes suppression of pro-inflammatory immune responses and enhancement of regulatory pathways. Equillium views the findings as supporting EQ504’s therapeutic potential.