MRGPRX2

SAN CARLOS, Calif., March 14, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Allakos Inc. (the “Company”) (Nasdaq: ALLK), a biotechnology company developing antibodies for the treatment of allergic, inflammatory and proliferative diseases, today provided a business update and reported financial results for the fourth quarter and full year ended December 31, 2023. Recent Allakos Events Completed dosing in the single ascending dose (SAD) cohorts and continued dosing in the multiple ascending dose (MAD) cohorts of the randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled Phase 1 trial of Intravenous (IV) AK006 in healthy volunteers.Initiated the randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled subcutaneous (SC) AK006 cohort in healthy volunteers.Published preclinical research in Allergy showing that AK006 controls mast cell function through interaction with multiple activating receptors and key signaling pathways.Presented preclinical data at the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (AAAAI) Annual Meeting 2024 highlighting AK006’s mechanism of action and ability to reduce MRGPRX2-induced skin inflammation.Reported topline data from the Phase 2 study of SC lirentelimab in patients with atopic dermatitis and Phase 2b study of SC lirentelimab in patients with chronic spontaneous urticaria.Halted lirentelimab-related development activities and announced a restructuring plan to reduce costs and focus on AK006 clinical development. As a result of the restructuring, Allakos expects its cash runway to extend into mid-2026. Upcoming Allakos Anticipated Milestones Report safety, pharmacokinetics (PK), and pharmacodynamic (PD) results from the Phase 1 trial of IV AK006 in healthy volunteers, including data to confirm Siglec-6 receptor occupancy in skin biopsy samples in Q2 2024.Initiate the randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled Phase 1 trial of IV AK006 in patients with chronic spontaneous urticaria in Q2 2024.Report safety, PK, and PD results from the Phase 1 trial of SC AK006 in healthy volunteers, including data to confirm Siglec-6 receptor occupancy in skin biopsy samples in Q3 2024.Report topline data from the Phase 1 trial of IV AK006 in patients with CSU at year end 2024 Cash Guidance The Company expects that the restructuring activities will extend the cash runway into mid-2026. The Company ended the fourth quarter of 2023 with approximately $170.8 million in cash, cash equivalents and investments. The Company’s outlook for 2024 cash, cash equivalents and investments is as follows: Cash, cash equivalents and investments at year end 2023$171 millionEstimated 2024 net cash used in operating activities (GAAP)($85 to $90 million)Estimated cash, cash equivalents and investments at year end 2024$81 to $86 million Components of estimated 2024 net cash used in operating activities for the year ended December 31, 2024 are as follows: Estimated net cash used in operating activities (GAAP)$85 to $90 millionLess: estimated lirentelimab closeout, severance and other costs 1($30 million)Estimated adjusted net cash used in operating activities (non-GAAP) 2$55 to $60 million 1 The Company anticipates that the significant majority of the restructuring expenditures, including approximately $4 million of severance, will be paid in the first half of 2024. 2 For additional information on the Company’s use of non-GAAP financial information, please see the section titled “Non-GAAP Financial Measure” below. Fourth Quarter 2023 Financial Results Research and development expenses were $53.8 million in the fourth quarter of 2023 compared to $35.4 million in the fourth quarter of 2022, an increase of $18.4 million. This quarter over quarter increase is attributed to $15.0 million of increased manufacturing costs and $3.4 million of increased other research and development expenses related primarily to our clinical studies. General and administrative expenses were $11.2 million for the fourth quarter of 2023 compared to $10.8 million for the fourth quarter of 2022, an increase of $0.4 million. The quarter over quarter change included $0.3 million of increase stock-based compensation expenses and $0.1 million increase in other general and administrative expenses. Allakos reported a net loss of $62.6 million in the fourth quarter of 2023 compared to $43.0 million in the fourth quarter of 2022. The fourth quarter of 2023 included noncash expenses for stock-based compensation of $10.2 million, compared to $9.3 million in the same period in 2023, and depreciation expense of $1.5 million in each of the fourth quarters of 2023 and 2022. Net loss per basic and diluted share was $0.71 for the fourth quarter of 2023 compared to $0.50 in the fourth quarter of 2022. Allakos ended the fourth quarter of 2023 with $170.8 million in cash, cash equivalents and investments resulting in a net decrease in cash, cash equivalents and investments of $23.1 million during the fourth quarter of 2023. 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 product candidate 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. Non-GAAP Financial Measure In this press release, Allakos’ estimated net cash used in operating activities is provided in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) in the United States and also on a non-GAAP basis. Non-GAAP estimated adjusted net cash used in operating activities excludes estimated lirentelimab closeout, severance and other costs. Non-GAAP estimated adjusted net cash used in operating activities is provided as a complement to estimated net cash used in operating activities provided in accordance with GAAP because management believes the non-GAAP financial measure is useful to investors in assessing the Company’s operating performance. Management also uses the non-GAAP financial measure to establish operational goals that are communicated internally and externally, to manage the Company’s business and to evaluate its performance. Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 as contained in Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Such forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, Allakos’ progress, business plans and areas of focus; the expected timing of reporting data from its clinical trial of AK006; the clinical potential of AK006; and Allakos’ anticipated clinical milestones. Such statements are subject to numerous important factors, risks and uncertainties that may cause actual events or results to differ materially from current expectations and beliefs, including but not limited to: Allakos’ stages of clinical drug development; Allakos’ ability to timely initiate and complete clinical trials for AK006; Allakos’ ability to obtain required regulatory approvals for its clinical trials; uncertainties related to the enrollment of patients in its clinical trials; Allakos’ ability to demonstrate sufficient safety and efficacy of its product candidates in its clinical trials; uncertainties related to the success of clinical trials, regardless of the outcomes of preclinical testing or early-stage trials; Allakos’ ability to obtain regulatory approvals to market its product candidates; market acceptance of Allakos’ product candidates; uncertainties related to the projections of the size of patient populations suffering from the diseases Allakos is targeting; Allakos’ ability to advance additional product candidates beyond AK006; uncertainties related to Allakos’ ability to realize the contemplated benefits of its restructuring and related reduction in force; Allakos’ ability to accurately forecast financial results; Allakos’ ability to obtain additional capital to finance its operations, research and drug development; general economic and market conditions, both domestic and international; domestic and international regulatory obligations; and other risks. Information regarding the foregoing and additional risks may be found in the section entitled “Risk Factors” in documents that Allakos files from time to time to with the SEC. These documents contain and identify important factors that could cause the actual results for Allakos to differ materially from those contained in Allakos’ forward-looking statements. Any forward-looking statements contained in this press release speak only as of the date hereof, and Allakos specifically disclaims any obligation to update any forward-looking statement, except as required by law. These forward-looking statements should not be relied upon as representing Allakos’ views as of any date subsequent to the date of this press release. Source: Allakos Inc. Investor Contact:Adam Tomasi, PresidentAlex Schwartz, VP Strategic Finance and Investor Relationsir@allakos.com Media Contact:Denise Powelldenise@redhousecomms.com ALLAKOS INC. UNAUDITED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE LOSS (in thousands, except per share data) Three Months Ended Twelve Months Ended December 31, December 31, 2023 2022 2023 2022 Operating expenses Research and development $53,801 $35,388 $150,908 $265,081 General and administrative 11,182 10,828 45,148 57,348 Total operating expenses 64,983 46,216 196,056 322,429 Loss from operations (64,983) (46,216) (196,056) (322,429)Interest income 2,382 2,775 10,347 3,673 Other income (expense), net 50 452 8 (1,196)Net loss (62,551) (42,989) (185,701) (319,952)Unrealized gain (loss) on investments 122 (220) 334 (131)Comprehensive loss $(62,429) $(43,209) $(185,367) $(320,083)Net loss per common share: Basic and diluted $(0.71) $(0.50) $(2.14) $(5.06)Weighted-average number of common shares outstanding: Basic and diluted 87,567 85,262 86,798 63,284 ALLAKOS INC. UNAUDITED CONDENSED BALANCE SHEETS (in thousands) December 31, 2023 2022 Assets Current assets: Cash and cash equivalents $66,440 $87,217 Investments 104,354 192,569 Prepaid expenses and other current assets 9,095 29,057 Total current assets 179,889 308,843 Property and equipment, net 33,369 39,144 Operating lease right-of-use assets 24,136 30,225 Other long-term assets 6,216 8,208 Total assets $243,610 $386,420 Liabilities and stockholders’ equity Current liabilities: Accounts payable $1,764 $4,832 Accrued expenses and other current liabilities 34,814 25,206 Total current liabilities 36,578 30,038 Operating lease liabilities, net of current portion 38,215 45,949 Total liabilities 74,793 75,987 Stockholders’ equity: Common stock 88 85 Additional paid-in capital 1,287,156 1,243,408 Accumulated other comprehensive loss 50 (284)Accumulated deficit (1,118,477) (932,776)Total stockholders’ equity 168,817 310,433 Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity $243,610 $386,420

– Data provide insights on the signaling pathways involved with AK006 mast cell inhibition –– AK006 has a distinct mechanism of action that leads to broad inhibitory effects on mast cells – SAN CARLOS, Calif., Feb. 12, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Allakos Inc. (Nasdaq: ALLK), a clinical-stage biotechnology company developing therapeutics that target immunomodulatory receptors present on immune effector cells involved in allergy, inflammatory and proliferative diseases, today announced the publication of new scientific results in Allergy. The preclinical research found that AK006 (agonist Siglec-6 antibody) impacts mast cell function by interacting with multiple activating receptors and key signaling molecules. The publication titled “Regulation of Mast Cells by Overlapping but Distinct Protein Interactions of Siglec-6 and Siglec-8” details efforts to identify proteins associated with Siglec-6 and Siglec-8 in mast cells and functionally characterize these protein interaction networks using ex vivo and in vivo models of mast cell activation. The data published today add to previously published preclinical data demonstrating that AK006 inhibits multiple modes of mast activation. As detailed in the Allergy publication, proteomic profiling of mast cells revealed Siglec-6 and Siglec-8 interact with a large cluster of proteins involved in IgE and non-IgE-mediated mast cell activation, including the high affinity IgE receptor (FcεRI), IL-4 and IL-33 receptors, and intracellular kinases LYN and JAK1. Importantly, Siglec-6 was found to interact with multiple critical regulatory proteins that do not interact with Siglec-8, including stem cell factor (SCF) receptor KIT/CD117, different subunits of the FcεRI receptor and proteins modulating metabolic processes. These findings suggest Siglec-6 has a broader role in regulating mast cell function and may contribute to the increased inhibitory effects observed with AK006 in vitro and in vivo. The publication is both available on the Allergy website as well as Allakos Scientific Presentations page. About AK006 AK006 is a humanized IgG1 monoclonal antibody which activates the inhibitory receptor Siglec-6. Siglec-6 is a member of the family of cell surface receptors called Sialic acid-binding immunoglobulin-type lectins (Siglecs). Siglec-6 is expressed primarily on the surface of mature mast cells. Siglec-6 receptors contain intracellular immunoreceptor tyrosine-based inhibitory motifs (ITIMs) which, when activated, recruit phosphatases that work to oppose activating signals driven by kinase signaling cascades. Because of this opposition to multiple activation pathways, AK006 has the potential to inhibit multiple modes of mast cell activation and has demonstrated preclinical inhibition of mast cell activation by IgE and through MRGPRX2 and KIT receptors. ITIM bearing receptors have important roles in regulating the immune system and therapeutics targeting ITIM bearing receptors, such as PD-1 and Siglec-10, have demonstrated therapeutic activity in immunology and oncology. AK006 appears to drive deep mast cell inhibition and, in addition to its inhibitory activity, can reduce mast cell numbers via antibody-dependent cellular phagocytosis (ADCP) in the presence of activated macrophages. AK006 is currently being tested in a Phase 1 study in healthy volunteers and will begin dosing in early 2Q 2024 in patients with chronic spontaneous urticaria. Results from the Phase 1 study are expected throughout 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. Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 as contained in Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Such forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, Allakos’ progress, business plans, areas of focus and preclinical research; the potential of AK006; and Allakos’ anticipated milestones. Such statements are subject to numerous important factors, risks and uncertainties that may cause actual events or results to differ materially from current expectations and beliefs, including but not limited to: Allakos’ stages of clinical drug development; Allakos’ ability to timely initiate and complete clinical trials for AK006; Allakos’ ability to obtain required regulatory approvals for its clinical trials; uncertainties related to the enrollment of patients in its clinical trials; Allakos’ ability to demonstrate sufficient safety and efficacy of its product candidates in its clinical trials; uncertainties related to the success of clinical trials, regardless of the outcomes of preclinical testing or early-stage trials; Allakos’ ability to advance additional product candidates beyond AK006; uncertainties related to Allakos’ ability to realize the contemplated benefits of its restructuring and related reduction in force; Allakos’ ability to accurately forecast financial results; Allakos’ ability to obtain additional capital to finance its operations, research and drug development; general economic and market conditions, both domestic and international; domestic and international regulatory obligations; and other risks. Information regarding the foregoing and additional risks may be found in the section entitled “Risk Factors” in documents that Allakos files from time to time to with the SEC. These documents contain and identify important factors that could cause the actual results for Allakos to differ materially from those contained in Allakos’ forward-looking statements. Any forward-looking statements contained in this press release speak only as of the date hereof, and Allakos specifically disclaims any obligation to update any forward-looking statement, except as required by law. These forward-looking statements should not be relied upon as representing Allakos’ views as of any date subsequent to the date of this press release. Source: Allakos Inc. Investor Contact:Adam Tomasi, PresidentAlex Schwartz, VP Strategic Finance and Investor Relationsir@allakos.com Media Contact:Denise Powelldenise@redhousecomms.com

PALO ALTO, Calif., Jan. 16, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Evommune, Inc., a clinical stage biotechnology company discovering and developing new ways to treat immune-mediated inflammatory diseases, today announced the initiation of its Phase 1 first-in-human study, evaluating EVO756 in heathy adults and adults with chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU). By blocking MRGPRX2 activation and degranulation of mast cells, EVO756 has the potential to be a first-in-class oral treatment for a variety of mast cell-mediated diseases, including chronic spontaneous urticaria and inflammatory itch. "As a company committed to developing a pipeline of therapeutics to halt the progression of chronic inflammatory diseases, we are excited to dose the first volunteer in our Phase 1 trial of EVO756," said Eugene Bauer, M.D., Chief Medical Officer at Evommune. "By targeting mast cells via the selective modulation of MRGPRX2, we aim to deliver a novel therapeutic with the efficacy of a biologic and the potential for once-daily oral administration, without the safety challenges of alternative mast cell depleting options. In CSU patients, blockade of the MRGPRX2 receptor and its subsequent downstream effect has the potential to treat the root cause of inflammation, offering greater relief than currently available treatments." The Phase 1 study is a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled single and multiple ascending dose (SAD and MAD) study in normal healthy adults and an open label study in adults with CSU. The study is designed to assess the safety, tolerability, and pharmacokinetics, of orally administered EVO756. The pharmacodynamic potential of EVO756 on mast cell degranulation will be assessed in a skin challenge test, in which a known ligand of the X2 receptor is administered intradermally, resulting in measurable skin responses in healthy adults and adults with CSU. This portion of the study will be done in collaboration with Sarbjit Saini, M.D., Johns Hopkins University, and allows for an evaluation of patients in a highly controlled setting, and also has the benefit of mimicking the impact of EVO756 versus a control against inducible urticarias in the healthy adult cohort. About EVO756 EVO756 is a potent, highly selective small molecule antagonist of mas-related G-protein coupled receptor X2 (MRGPRX2). MRGPRX2 is most abundantly found on mast cells and peripheral sensory neurons. MRGPRX2 can trigger IgE-independent activation (degranulation) via multiple ligands, which can lead to a variety of symptoms depending on the tissue that is affected. Evommune's pre-clinical data demonstrates that by blocking activation of MRGPRX2 and degranulation of mast cells, EVO756 has the potential to be a first-in-class oral treatment for a variety of mast cell mediated diseases. In addition, due to its unique function on peripheral sensory neurons, EVO756 could provide fast relief of itch associated with inflammatory diseases, such as atopic dermatitis. EVO756 represents a new, targeted approach to the treatment of these disorders with the potential for once-daily oral administration without the serious side effects observed with other approaches. About Evommune, Inc. Evommune, Inc., a Palo Alto based biotech company, is creating game-changing science to treat immune-mediated inflammatory diseases by discovering, developing, and delivering therapies that address symptoms and halt progressive disease. For more information, please visit Evommune.com. Contact: Paul Laland 415.519.6610 [email protected] SOURCE Evommune, Inc.