IL-33

LUND, SE / ACCESSWIRE / March 14, 2024 / Cantargia (STO:CANTA) Cantargia (Cantargia AB; Nasdaq Stockholm:CANTA) today reported new data highlighting the potential of the CAN10 antibody, currently in phase I clinical development, as therapy in systemic sclerosis. All signaling systems targeted by CAN10 (IL-1, IL-33 and IL-36) were found to be highly upregulated in patient skin biopsies. These cytokines induce fibrosis in skin fibroblasts isolated from patients, and this manifestation of disease was blocked by CAN10. In mouse models, CAN10 reversed the aberrant expression of several genes involved in the systemic sclerosis pathogenesis in humans. The data is presented at the Systemic Sclerosis World Congress in Prague 14-16 March 2024. "We are very excited about the progress in the CAN10 program which is quickly advancing from the ongoing healthy volunteer investigations towards studies in patients. The new data provides important information further increasing our confidence in CAN10 as a future therapy of inflammatory diseases" said Göran Forsberg, CEO of Cantargia. CAN10 is currently in phase I clinical development with transition from healthy volunteers to patients planned for Q3, 2024. One of the lead indications, systemic sclerosis, is a life-threatening autoimmune disease resulting in fibrosis in the skin, lung, and other internal organs. Current treatments focus on symptomatic treatment rather than addressing underlying disease mechanisms. It is estimated that in the US, approximately 100,000 patients suffer from the disease. CAN10 has orphan drug status in the US for treatment of systemic sclerosis. The new results demonstrate that both the target for CAN10, IL1RAP, and the IL1RAP-dependent signaling molecules IL-1, IL-33 and IL-36, are upregulated in skin from systemic sclerosis patients. This disease develops as fibroblasts promote the formation of an excessive buildup of connective tissue in skin and internal organs, so-called fibrosis. The results show that IL-1, IL-33 and IL-36 collagen production on skin fibroblasts from systemic sclerosis patients, leading to fibrosis. These disease-associated mechanisms can be reduced by CAN10. These new data strengthen previously reported beneficial effects of IL1RAP-blockade in three mouse models of systemic sclerosis, where treatment with a mouse surrogate of CAN10 reduced both skin and lung fibrosis. Additional gene expression analysis of mouse systemic sclerosis skin showed decreased expression of several key disease-related profibrotic factors in the skin by CAN10. In summary, the data show that CAN10 targets central processes important for systemic sclerosis and that CAN10 provides an opportunity to treat underserved systemic sclerosis patients. These data were generated in collaboration with a world-leading research group headed by Prof. Dr. Jörg Distler at the Heinrich-Heine University, Düsseldorf, Germany and will be presented as a poster at the 8th Systemic Sclerosis World Congress March 14-16, 2024 in Prague, Czech Republic. The poster is now also available at Cantargia's web page . Title: Combined blockade of IL-1, IL-33 and IL-36 signaling by targeting IL1RAP ameliorates skin and lung fibrosis in preclinical models of systemic sclerosis Session Title: Innovative therapies Session Date and Time: Friday March 15th 1.30-2.30 pm and Saturday March 16th 1-2 pm Poster Number: 317 This information is information that Cantargia is obliged to make public pursuant to the EU Market Abuse Regulation. The information was submitted for publication, through the agency of the contact persons set out above, at 2024-03-14 17:31 CET. About Cantargia Cantargia AB (publ), reg. no. 556791-6019, is a biotechnology company that develops antibody-based treatments for life-threatening diseases and has established a platform based on the protein IL1RAP, involved in a number of cancer forms and inflammatory diseases. The main program, the antibody nadunolimab (CAN04), is being studied clinically primarily in combination with chemotherapy with a focus on pancreatic cancer, non-small cell lung cancer and triple-negative breast cancer. Positive interim data for the combinations indicate stronger efficacy than would be expected from chemotherapy alone. Cantargia's second development program, the antibody CAN10, blocks signaling via IL1RAP in a different manner than nadunolimab and addresses treatment of serious autoimmune/inflammatory diseases, with initial focus on systemic sclerosis and myocarditis. Cantargia is listed on Nasdaq Stockholm (ticker: CANTA). More information about Cantargia is available at . About CAN10 The CAN10 antibody binds strongly to its target IL1RAP and has a unique capability to simultaneously inhibit signaling via IL-1, IL-33 and IL-36. Inhibition of these signals can be of significant value in the treatment of several inflammatory or autoimmune diseases. The initial focus of CAN10 will be on two severe diseases: myocarditis and systemic sclerosis. In preclinical in vivo models of myocarditis, a CAN10 surrogate antibody significantly reduced the development of inflammation and fibrosis, and significantly counteracted the deterioration of the cardiac function. The CAN10 surrogate also inhibited disease development in models of systemic sclerosis, psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, atherosclerosis and peritonitis. A clinical phase I study, investigating CAN10 in healthy volunteers and psoriasis patients, is ongoing. Up to 80 subjects may be included in the trial, the first clinical data set shows good safety. Additional data from the trial are expected continuously during 2024. Attachments Cantargia presents new human data further supporting CAN10 in the treatment of systemic sclerosis SOURCE: Cantargia View the original press release on accesswire.com

Sanofi and Regeneron are closing in on an FDA approval for Dupixent to treat those with uncontrolled chronic obstructive pulmonary disease with type 2 inflammation. Approximately 300,000 have the condition in the U.S. Regeneron and Sanofi have reached another milestone as they look to add to their megablockbuster immunology drug Dupixent a new U.S. indication for uncontrolled chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) with type 2 inflammation. This comes as the FDA has accepted the companies’ application and designated it for priority review with a target action date of June 27 this year.  An approval would make it available as an add-on maintenance treatment for adults with uncontrolled COPD with type 2 inflammation, making in the process Dupixent the first biologic therapy for COPD and the first new treatment approach for the disease in more than a decade, and could also add an extra $3.5 billion in peak sales to the drug's already impressive coffers.  The submission is backed by results of the phase 3 BOREAS and NOTUS trials of patients on maximal standard of care inhaled therapy (most on triple therapy) that showed Dupixent reduced moderate or severe acute COPD exacerbations by 30% and 34%, respectively, when compared to placebo. Dupixent also produced significant lung function improvement within 12 weeks, which sustained through 52 weeks. COPD is a respiratory disease that causes progressive lung function decline. Symptoms include persistent cough, breathlessness and excessive mucus production that can lead to anxiety, depression and sleep disturbances. In the U.S., approximately 300,000 people live with the condition. Sanofi and Regeneron are investigating another COPD candidate, itepekimab, for former smokers, which make up roughly 70% of the disease population. Enrollment is underway for two phase 3 trials of itepekimab, with a readout expected in 2025. The drug is an IL-33 inhibitor, while Dupixent inhibits the IL-4 and IL-13 pathways. A nod for COPD would give Dupixent its seventh global indication. A week ago, Japan signed off on Dupixent as an add-on therapy for those 12 and older with chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU), a condition that causes hives. The blessing came four months after the FDA rejected Dupixent for CSU, telling the companies it needed to see more compelling efficacy data. Dupixent was originally approved in 2017 for atopic dermatitis (eczema). That was followed by nods for asthma, chronic rhinosinusitis, eosinophilic esophagitis and prurigo nodularis. The anti-inflammatory drug raked in a major $11.6 billion in sales last year, which was a 33% increase from 2022. Last year, analysts at Evercore ISI projected that a label expansion for COPD would add a cool $3.5 billion in peak sales for Dupixent worldwide. They based their figure on 30% uptake of the treatment for those who are eligible. The addition would put Dupixent’s sales potential at $20 billion by the end of this decade, making it one of the world's biggest selling drugs of all time.  

– 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