ASLAN Pharma to Present New Data from TREK-DX Phase 2 Study of Eblasakimab in Dupilumab-Experienced Atopic Dermatitis Patients

ASLAN Pharmaceuticals, a biopharmaceutical company focused on immunology, is set to present new data from the interim analysis of their Phase 2 TREK-DX study. The study focuses on eblasakimab, a treatment for atopic dermatitis (AD) in patients who have previously been treated with dupilumab but did not achieve satisfactory results. The findings will be discussed at a virtual KOL event that will include prominent dermatology experts.

Dr. Carl Firth, CEO of ASLAN Pharmaceuticals, emphasized the significance of the interim analysis data, noting unprecedented outcomes in previous biologics studies for AD. He highlighted that patient-reported outcomes, such as itch scores, strongly correlate with investigator-assessed outcomes like vIGA and EASI scores. This reinforces the company’s belief in eblasakimab's potential, particularly for patients with limited treatment options after dupilumab.

In April, ASLAN reported positive interim data from the TREK-DX study, which enrolled 22 patients. The primary endpoint, which measured the percent change in the Eczema Area Severity Index (EASI) from baseline to Week 16, showed statistical significance compared to placebo (p=0.0059). Despite the small sample size, 60% of dupilumab-experienced patients treated with 400mg eblasakimab weekly achieved EASI-90 (at least a 90% reduction in their EASI score), and 66.7% reached a vIGA score of 0 or 1 (clear or almost clear skin) after 16 weeks, versus 14.3% of those on placebo.

The KOL event will also showcase new data on secondary endpoints and insights from patients who had an inadequate response to dupilumab. Discontinuation rates were notably lower for eblasakimab-treated patients (13%) compared to those on placebo (43%). Secondary endpoints revealed a rapid onset of effect for eblasakimab, with over half of the patients achieving EASI-75 by Week 6 and 73% by Week 16. These results are further supported by patient-reported pruritus scores, which showed a swift reduction in itchiness. Individual patient responses demonstrated consistent improvements with eblasakimab versus placebo. Patients with previous inadequate responses to dupilumab experienced a mean percent change in EASI of 91% reduction at Week 16.

Dr. Peter Lio from Northwestern University acknowledged the importance of these results, noting the emerging population of dupilumab-experienced AD patients seeking alternative treatments. He expressed his anticipation for the topline data from the full TREK-DX study dataset to be released later in the year.

The TREK-DX study is a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, enrolling up to 75 patients across North America and Europe. It aims to evaluate the efficacy and safety of eblasakimab in moderate-to-severe AD patients previously treated with dupilumab. The trial includes a 16-week treatment period with an 8-week safety follow-up. The primary efficacy endpoint is the percentage change in EASI score from baseline to Week 16, with secondary endpoints including the proportion of patients achieving various EASI reductions and changes in peak pruritus.

Eblasakimab is a potential first-in-class monoclonal antibody targeting the IL-13 receptor subunit of the Type 2 receptor, a key driver of allergic inflammatory diseases. It offers a different mechanism of action by blocking both interleukin 4 (IL-4) and interleukin 13 (IL-13) signaling pathways, which are pivotal in AD and Type 2-driven COPD.

ASLAN Pharmaceuticals continues to develop innovative treatments to transform patient lives, with ongoing trials for eblasakimab and other promising therapies like farudodstat for alopecia areata. The company maintains operations in San Mateo, California, and Singapore, and is committed to advancing its clinical-stage programs.