Allakos Announces Positive Results from its Ongoing Phase 1 Trial of AK006 in Healthy Volunteers, with AK006 Demonstrating High Receptor Occupancy on Mast Cells and a Favorable Safety Profile
Allakos has announced positive results from the Phase 1 trial of AK006, a Siglec-6 monoclonal antibody being developed to treat mast cell-driven diseases. The drug demonstrated high receptor occupancy on mast cells and a favorable safety profile, with no serious adverse events. Healthy volunteers received single and multiple ascending doses up to 720 mg, achieving serum concentrations consistent with inhibitory activity shown in preclinical experiments. High levels of receptor occupancy were confirmed through skin biopsies. AK006 showed dose linear exposure and an estimated half-life of 21 days for the 720 mg IV dose. The ongoing trial also includes a cohort of patients with chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU), with preliminary efficacy data expected by year-end 2024.
- AK006 demonstrated high receptor occupancy on mast cells.
- Favorable safety profile with no serious adverse events reported.
- Achieved serum concentrations consistent with preclinical inhibitory activity.
- Skin biopsies confirmed high levels of receptor occupancy.
- Dose linear exposure and a 21-day estimated half-life for the 720 mg IV dose.
- None.
Insights
The positive results from Allakos' Phase 1 trial of AK006 indicate promising advancements for the treatment of mast cell-driven diseases. Phase 1 trials primarily assess safety and tolerability and AK006 demonstrated a favorable safety profile with no serious adverse events or dose-limiting toxicities. Additionally, high receptor occupancy on mast cells is a positive indicator, suggesting that AK006 effectively reaches its target in the body.
The achievement of serum concentrations consistent with those showing inhibitory activity in preclinical experiments is significant. This indicates potential for clinical efficacy, which will need to be confirmed in subsequent trials. In the context of mast cell-driven diseases like chronic spontaneous urticaria, food allergy and asthma, this finding is particularly noteworthy as these conditions lack highly effective treatments and a new monoclonal antibody could fill this gap.
Retail investors should monitor the progress of the ongoing Phase 1 study and upcoming Phase 2 trials, which will provide more conclusive data on efficacy. The absence of severe adverse events and high receptor occupancy may de-risk the asset, potentially increasing its value as it progresses towards late-stage clinical trials.
From a financial perspective, the positive Phase 1 results for AK006 can be seen as a value-add for Allakos. Biotechnology stocks often experience significant price movements based on clinical trial outcomes. Given that AK006 demonstrated both a favorable safety profile and effective receptor occupancy, it may enhance investor confidence, potentially driving up the stock price.
The ongoing and planned trials, including the randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled cohorts, provide a structured pathway for further development. Investors should be aware that while Phase 1 results are promising, the success of later-stage trials is critical for commercial viability. Any future positive results, particularly from the upcoming Phase 2 trials, could lead to increased valuations and potential partnerships or acquisitions.
Given the substantial unmet need in the market for treatments targeting mast cell-driven diseases, successful development and eventual commercialization of AK006 could open new revenue streams for Allakos. Investors should also consider the timeline for clinical development and the potential for future dilution if additional capital is required to fund further trials.
– AK006 achieved serum concentrations consistent with levels demonstrating inhibitory activity in preclinical experiments –
– Skin biopsies from subjects treated with AK006 show high receptor occupancy –
– AK006 was well-tolerated with a favorable safety profile –
SAN CARLOS, Calif., June 25, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Allakos Inc. (Nasdaq: ALLK), a biotechnology company developing AK006 for the treatment of mast cell-driven diseases, today announced positive results from the single and multiple ascending Phase 1 study of intravenous (IV) AK006 in healthy volunteers. AK006 is a Siglec-6 monoclonal antibody that selectively inhibits mast cells. Inappropriate activation of mast cells has been identified as a pathogenic driver of multiple diseases, including chronic spontaneous urticaria, food allergy and asthma.
Phase 1 Study Results
- Single and multiple IV doses of AK006 up to 720 mg were well tolerated with a favorable safety profile
- There were no serious adverse events (SAEs)
- There were no treatment emergent adverse events leading to discontinuation of AK006
- There were no dose limiting toxicities
- The most common adverse events occurring in subjects on AK006 were headache and dysmenorrhea, all of which were mild-to-moderate in severity
- AK006 showed dose linear exposure and with an estimated half-life of 21 days for the 720 mg IV dose
- AK006 achieved serum concentrations consistent with those showing mast cell inhibition in preclinical experiments
- Skin biopsies taken from AK006 treated healthy volunteers showed high levels of receptor occupancy confirming AK006 reaches skin tissue mast cells
- Single ascending dose cohorts of AK006 ≥20mg showed a mean Siglec-6 receptor occupancy of >
90% on mast cells at day 29
- Single ascending dose cohorts of AK006 ≥20mg showed a mean Siglec-6 receptor occupancy of >
Phase 1 AK006 Study in Healthy Volunteers and Patients with Chronic Spontaneous Urticaria
AK006 is being studied in an ongoing Phase 1 single IV and subcutaneous (SC) ascending dose (SAD) and multiple IV ascending dose (MAD) trial that includes a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled CSU arm (NCT06072157). The data announced today are from Parts A and B of the randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled SAD and MAD IV cohorts of the study. In these cohorts, healthy volunteers were randomized 6:2 to receive doses of intravenous AK006 or placebo. AK006 was tested across five single ascending doses (5, 20, 80, 240 and 720 mg) and three MAD (80, 240 and 720 mg monthly) dose cohorts. The primary objective was to evaluate the safety and tolerability of single ascending doses and multiple ascending IV doses of AK006 in healthy volunteers and to explore Siglec-6 receptor occupancy on mast cells in skin biopsy samples.
AK006 is also being studied in an ongoing randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled cohorts of healthy volunteers receiving SC AK006 and also in a cohort of patients with CSU receiving IV AK006. In the CSU cohort, approximately 60 adult patients with antihistamine refractory CSU (including patients with prior biologics treatment), will be randomized 2:1 to receive 720 mg of IV 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 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.
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; enrollment in Allakos’s clinical study; timing and availability of data; 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 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, President
Alex Schwartz, VP Strategic Finance and Investor Relations
ir@allakos.com
Media Contact:
Denise Powell
denise@redhousecomms.com
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