Jasper Therapeutics Unveils Briquilimab Asthma Program

Jasper Therapeutics, Inc., a biotechnology firm dedicated to the development of innovative treatments for mast cell-driven diseases, has announced the expansion of its research portfolio. The company plans to commence a Phase 1b/2a clinical study of briquilimab, a novel antibody therapy targeting the c-Kit (CD117) receptor, in asthma patients by the fourth quarter of 2024. Briquilimab aims to address diseases such as chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU) and chronic inducible urticaria (CIndU).

Explaining the science behind the new study, Dr. Wendy Pang, Senior Vice President of Research and Translational Medicine at Jasper, emphasized the critical role of mast cells in asthma-related inflammation. These cells, located in various parts of the lungs, release substances like histamine and cytokines when triggered, leading to asthmatic reactions. Preclinical data presented at the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology's annual meeting showed that briquilimab effectively depleted mast cells in the airways and prevented allergen-induced asthmatic responses in their c-Kit Mouse™ model.

Ronald Martell, President and CEO of Jasper, remarked on the urgent need for new asthma treatments. Despite existing therapies, millions of patients in the U.S. continue to suffer from this chronic condition. Martell expressed confidence that briquilimab's ability to target mast cells could significantly enhance disease control, especially for patients who do not respond well to current biologic agents. He highlighted that previous c-Kit inhibitors have shown efficacy in asthma, setting a promising precedent for briquilimab as the first anti-c-Kit antibody to enter human trials. The company expects to present clinical data from the upcoming trial in the second half of 2025.

In addition to the asthma study, Jasper is concurrently conducting clinical trials of briquilimab for chronic urticaria and other mast cell-driven diseases. The company will hold a Key Opinion Leader (KOL) webinar on May 20, 2024, to discuss briquilimab's potential as an asthma treatment. The event will feature Professor Joshua Boyce, an expert in allergic diseases, who will address the current treatment landscape and the unmet medical needs of asthma patients. Jasper’s leadership will also provide insights into the role of mast cells in asthma and the preclinical data supporting briquilimab's development.

Professor Boyce, an authority in the field of allergic diseases at Harvard Medical School, emphasized the limitations of current asthma therapies. He noted that many patients remain underserved and highlighted that c-Kit inhibition offers a promising new approach. Boyce believes that briquilimab, as a potent and differentiated c-Kit inhibitor, could become a crucial treatment for those who do not respond to existing biologics.

The webinar will include a live Q&A session, offering participants the opportunity to engage with Jasper’s management team. The event seeks to provide a comprehensive overview of briquilimab’s potential and its anticipated impact on asthma treatment.

Briquilimab, previously known as JSP191, is an aglycosylated monoclonal antibody that inhibits stem cell factor from binding to the c-Kit receptor, thereby disrupting the signaling necessary for mast cell survival. This mechanism induces mast cell apoptosis, potentially reducing asthma-related inflammation. The antibody has shown a favorable safety and efficacy profile in over 145 participants, including patients with various conditions such as severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID) and sickle cell disease (SCD).

Jasper continues to explore briquilimab's therapeutic potential across a range of mast cell and stem cell diseases, aiming to provide new treatment options for millions of patients worldwide.