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– Top-line Phase 1 CSU results expected at year end 2024 –
SAN CARLOS, Calif., May 28, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Allakos Inc. (Nasdaq: ALLK), a biotechnology company developing AK006 for the treatment of mast cell-driven diseases, today announced that the first patient with chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU) has been dosed in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled Phase 1 trial of AK006. The Phase 1 trial is designed to assess the safety, tolerability and pharmacokinetics of AK006, and to explore the therapeutic effects of AK006 in patients with CSU using the urticaria activity score (UAS7) at 14 weeks. Top-line results from the trial are expected at year end 2024.
Chronic Spontaneous Urticaria
CSU symptoms are caused by the inappropriate activation of mast cells in the skin. IgE-dependent mast cell activation has been identified as a pathogenic driver of CSU, and agents which target this pathway have demonstrated therapeutic activity. More recently, IgE-independent pathways, such activation through the MRGPRX2 receptor, have been implicated in CSU disease pathogenesis. Agents that target both IgE-dependent and IgE-independent modes of mast cell activation have the potential to work in a broader patient population or show greater symptom improvement.
About AK006
AK006 is a humanized IgG1 monoclonal antibody which activates the inhibitory receptor Siglec-6. Siglec-6 is found on the surface of mature mast cells and offers a way to selectively target mast cells. In preclinical experiments, AK006 inhibits IgE-dependent and IgE-independent mast cell activation including activation through IgE, MRGPRX2 and KIT receptors. In these experiments, AK006 drives deep mast cell inhibition and, in addition to its inhibitory activity, can reduce mast cell numbers via antibody-dependent cellular phagocytosis in the presence of activated macrophages.
Phase 1 trial in Chronic Spontaneous Urticaria
AK006 is being studied in a Phase 1 randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled single and multiple ascending dose trial that includes a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled CSU arm (NCT06072157). The CSU arm will enroll up to 60 adult patients with antihistamine refractory CSU (including patients with prior biologics treatment). Patients will be randomized 2:1 to receive intravenous AK006 or placebo once every four weeks (Q4W). The primary efficacy analysis will be the change in the urticaria activity score (UAS7) at week 14. Data from approximately 30 patients is expected at year end 2024.
About Allakos
Allakos is a clinical stage biotechnology company developing therapeutics that target immunomodulatory receptors present on immune effector cells involved in allergy, inflammatory and proliferative diseases. Activating these immunomodulatory receptors allows for the direct targeting of cells involved in disease pathogenesis and, in the setting of allergy and inflammation, has the potential to result in broad inhibition of inflammatory cells. The Company’s most advanced antibody in ongoing clinical development is AK006. AK006 targets Siglec-6, an inhibitory receptor expressed on mast cells. Mast cells are widely distributed in the body and play a central role in the inflammatory response. Inappropriately activated mast cells have been identified as key drivers in a number of severe diseases affecting the gastrointestinal tract, eyes, skin, lungs and other organs. In preclinical studies, AK006 appears to provide deep mast cell inhibition and, in addition to its inhibitory activity, reduce mast cell numbers. For more information, please visit the Company’s website at www.allakos.com.