Annexon Presents Phase 2 Vision Preservation Data with ANX007 in Dry AMD Patients with Less Advanced GA at the American Academy of Ophthalmology 2024 Meeting
Annexon presented new Phase 2 data for ANX007 in geographic atrophy (GA) due to dry age-related macular degeneration (AMD) at the American Academy of Ophthalmology 2024 meeting. The study showed enhanced vision protection and greater preservation of central photoreceptor cells in patients with less advanced disease. Key findings include:
- 0% of ANX007 monthly-treated patients with less advanced disease lost 15 letters vs. 17% of sham patients
- 6% of ANX007 monthly-treated overall patients lost 15 letters vs. 21% of sham overall patients
- 61% decrease in EZ loss between ANX007 and sham in patients with <80% EZ loss at baseline
- 48% decrease in EZ loss between ANX007 and sham in patients with <98% EZ loss at baseline
These results highlight ANX007's potential for earlier intervention in dry AMD and GA. Pivotal Phase 3 ARCHER II data is expected in the second half of 2026.
Annexon ha presentato nuovi dati della Fase 2 per ANX007 nell'atrofia geografica (GA) a causa della degenerazione maculare senile secca (AMD) durante l'incontro dell'American Academy of Ophthalmology 2024. Lo studio ha mostrato una protezione visiva migliorata e una maggiore preservazione delle cellule fotoreceptrici centrali nei pazienti con malattia meno avanzata. I risultati chiave includono:
- 0% dei pazienti trattati mensilmente con ANX007 con malattia meno avanzata ha perso 15 lettere rispetto al 17% dei pazienti di controllo
- 6% dei pazienti trattati mensilmente con ANX007 ha perso 15 lettere rispetto al 21% dei pazienti di controllo
- Riduzione del 61% nella perdita di EZ tra ANX007 e il gruppo di controllo nei pazienti con <80% di perdita di EZ al baseline
- Riduzione del 48% nella perdita di EZ tra ANX007 e il gruppo di controllo nei pazienti con <98% di perdita di EZ al baseline
Questi risultati evidenziano il potenziale di ANX007 per un intervento precoce nell'AMD secca e nella GA. I dati decisivi della Fase 3 ARCHER II sono attesi nella seconda metà del 2026.
Annexon presentó nuevos datos de la Fase 2 para ANX007 en atrofia geográfica (GA) debido a la degeneración macular relacionada con la edad (AMD) durante la reunión de la American Academy of Ophthalmology 2024. El estudio mostró una protección visual mejorada y una mayor preservación de las células fotorreceptoras centrales en pacientes con enfermedad menos avanzada. Los hallazgos clave incluyen:
- 0% de los pacientes tratados mensualmente con ANX007 con enfermedad menos avanzada perdieron 15 letras frente al 17% de los pacientes de control
- 6% de los pacientes tratados mensualmente con ANX007 perdieron 15 letras frente al 21% de los pacientes de control
- Disminución del 61% en la pérdida de EZ entre ANX007 y el grupo de control en pacientes con <80% de pérdida de EZ en el inicio
- Disminución del 48% en la pérdida de EZ entre ANX007 y el grupo de control en pacientes con <98% de pérdida de EZ en el inicio
Estos resultados resaltan el potencial de ANX007 para una intervención temprana en la AMD seca y la GA. Se esperan datos cruciales de la Fase 3 ARCHER II en la segunda mitad de 2026.
Annexon이 시행한 신뢰2상 데이터를 발표하였습니다 ANX007은 노인 황반변성(AMD)으로 인한 지리적 위축(GA)와 관련하여 2024년 미국 안과학회(American Academy of Ophthalmology)에서 발표되었습니다. 본 연구는 환자의 시력 보호 효과가 향상되었고 중앙 광수용체 세포의 보존이 더욱 뚜렷하다고 밝혔습니다. 주요 결과는 다음과 같습니다:
- 덜 진행된 질병을 가진 ANX007 월별 치료 받은 환자 중 0%가 15글자를 잃은 반면 대조군 환자는 17%가 15글자를 잃었습니다.
- 전반적인 ANX007 환자 중 6%가 15글자를 잃은 반면 대조군 환자는 21%가 15글자를 잃었습니다.
- 기준선에서 <80%의 EZ 손실이 있는 환자에서 ANX007과 대조군 간의 EZ 손실에서 61% 감소
- 기준선에서 <98%의 EZ 손실이 있는 환자에서 ANX007과 대조군 간의 EZ 손실에서 48% 감소
이 결과는 건성 AMD 및 GA에서 조기 개입 가능성을 강조합니다. 중대한 3상 ARCHER II 데이터는 2026년 하반기에 발표될 예정입니다.
Annexon a présenté de nouvelles données de la Phase 2 pour ANX007 dans l'atrophie géographique (GA) due à la dégénérescence maculaire liée à l'âge sèche (AMD) lors de la réunion de l'American Academy of Ophthalmology 2024. L'étude a montré une protection visuelle améliorée et une meilleure préservation des cellules photoréceptrices centrales chez les patients atteints de maladie moins avancée. Les résultats clés incluent :
- 0% des patients traités mensuellement avec ANX007 ayant une maladie moins avancée ont perdu 15 lettres contre 17% des patients témoins
- 6% de l'ensemble des patients traités mensuellement avec ANX007 ont perdu 15 lettres contre 21% de l'ensemble des patients témoins
- Diminution de 61% de la perte d'EZ entre ANX007 et le groupe témoin chez les patients avec <80% de perte d'EZ au départ
- Diminution de 48% de la perte d'EZ entre ANX007 et le groupe témoin chez les patients avec <98% de perte d'EZ au départ
Ces résultats soulignent le potentiel d'ANX007 pour une intervention précoce dans l'AMD sèche et la GA. Des données clés de la Phase 3 ARCHER II sont attendues dans la seconde moitié de 2026.
Annexon präsentierte neue Phase-2-Daten für ANX007 bei geografischer Atrophie (GA) infolge von trockener altersbedingter Makuladegeneration (AMD) auf dem Treffen der American Academy of Ophthalmology 2024. Die Studie zeigte eine verbesserte Sehschutzwirkung und eine größere Erhaltung der zentralen Photorezeptorzellen bei Patienten mit weniger fortgeschrittener Erkrankung. Wichtige Ergebnisse umfassen:
- 0% der monatlich mit ANX007 behandelten Patienten mit weniger fortgeschrittener Erkrankung verloren 15 Buchstaben im Vergleich zu 17% der Kontrollpatienten
- 6% der insgesamt mit ANX007 behandelten Patienten verloren 15 Buchstaben im Vergleich zu 21% der Kontrollpatienten
- 61% Rückgang des EZ-Verlusts zwischen ANX007 und Kontrollgruppe bei Patienten mit <80% EZ-Verlust zu Beginn
- 48% Rückgang des EZ-Verlusts zwischen ANX007 und Kontrollgruppe bei Patienten mit <98% EZ-Verlust zu Beginn
Diese Ergebnisse heben das Potenzial von ANX007 für eine frühzeitige Intervention bei trockener AMD und GA hervor. Wichtige Phase-3-Daten von ARCHER II werden in der zweiten Hälfte von 2026 erwartet.
- ANX007 showed enhanced protection of vision in patients with less advanced disease
- 0% of ANX007-treated patients with less advanced disease lost significant vision vs 17% of sham patients
- 61% decrease in EZ loss with ANX007 in patients with <80% EZ loss at baseline
- Consistent and robust effect on preserving photoreceptors near the foveal center
- Potential for differentiated benefit with earlier intervention in dry AMD and GA
- Phase 3 ARCHER II data not expected until second half of 2026
- Benefits primarily observed in subpopulation with less advanced disease, potentially limiting broader applicability
Insights
The Phase 2 ARCHER study results for ANX007 in geographic atrophy (GA) due to dry AMD are promising, particularly for patients with less advanced disease. The data shows:
- Enhanced vision protection: No ANX007-treated patients with less advanced disease lost significant vision (15 letters) compared to 17% in the sham group.
- Photoreceptor preservation: 61% decrease in ellipsoid zone (EZ) loss in patients with <80% EZ loss at baseline.
- Earlier intervention benefit: More pronounced effects in patients with less advanced disease, suggesting potential for better outcomes with earlier treatment.
These results are encouraging for the ongoing development of ANX007 as a potential first-in-class treatment for GA. The preservation of central photoreceptors is particularly significant, as it's important for maintaining high-acuity vision. The upcoming Phase 3 ARCHER II study will be critical in confirming these findings and potentially bringing a new treatment option to millions of dry AMD patients.
Annexon's ANX007 Phase 2 results present a potentially significant market opportunity:
- Differentiated mechanism: As a C1q inhibitor, ANX007 offers a novel approach in the competitive dry AMD market.
- Large addressable market: Dry AMD affects millions worldwide, with treatment options currently available.
- Potential first-mover advantage: If successful in Phase 3, ANX007 could capture a substantial market share, especially in earlier-stage patients.
However, investors should note:
- Long timeline: Phase 3 data not expected until second half of 2026, indicating a significant period before potential commercialization.
- Competition: Other companies are also developing treatments for GA, which could impact market dynamics.
- Financial considerations: With a
$780 million market cap, Annexon will likely need to secure additional funding to support the Phase 3 trial and potential commercialization efforts.
Overall, while promising, the long-term financial impact remains uncertain pending Phase 3 results and regulatory approval.
Enhanced protection of vision with ANX007 treatment in healthier eyes
Greater preservation of EZ in the central fovea by ANX007 in patients with less advanced GA
Pivotal Phase 3 ARCHER II Data Expected Second Half 2026
BRISBANE, Calif., Oct. 21, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Annexon, Inc. (Nasdaq: ANNX), a biopharmaceutical company focused on upstream C1q to advance therapies for neuroinflammatory diseases of the body, brain and eye, today announced new findings from its Phase 2 ARCHER study for ANX007 in geographic atrophy (GA) due to dry age-related macular degeneration (AMD). ANX007 demonstrated enhanced protection of vision and greater preservation of central photoreceptor cells in a subpopulation of patients with less advanced disease as measured by the photoreceptor ellipsoid zone (EZ) in the central fovea. The data were presented at the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) 2024 annual meeting. ANX007 is a first-in-kind, non-pegylated antigen-binding fragment (Fab) designed to block C1q locally in the eye with an intravitreal formulation.
“Photoreceptors near the foveal center are necessary for high acuity vision like reading an eye chart or seeing faces. Protecting these cells is essential to preserving vision and we are encouraged by ANX007’s consistent and robust effect on this structural element of the eye,” said Douglas Love, president and chief executive officer of Annexon. “We are further encouraged by ANX007’s more pronounced treatment effect on both preservation of vision and photoreceptors in patients with less advanced disease. Importantly, these Phase 2 data highlight the potential of ANX007 to deliver a differentiated benefit, particularly with earlier intervention in a neurodegenerative disease, and we are encouraged by the promise ANX007 holds to help millions of patients worldwide with dry AMD and GA.”
As previously described, in the randomized Phase 2 ARCHER trial, ANX007 demonstrated a visual function benefit consistently across multiple measures that was both dose and time dependent. This includes significant broad-based protection of vision in standard and low light conditions and significant protection of photoreceptors in the fovea region critical for visual acuity. These Phase 2 data are further reinforced in a subpopulation of patients with less advanced disease defined by low light visual acuity (LLVA) < 30 at baseline and in patients with more intact vision as defined by <
Key highlights of the new data presented at AAO include:
- Protection from vision loss observed in patients with less advanced disease vs. overall patients through month 12
0% (0/56) ANX007 monthly-treated patients with less advanced disease lost 15 letters, or three lines on an eye chart, vs.17% (10/59) sham patients (Nominal p-value 0.0013)6% (5/89) ANX007 monthly-treated overall patients lost 15 letters vs.21% (19/89) sham overall patients (Nominal p-value 0.0021)
- ANX007 enhanced protection against EZ loss in central subdomains in patients with more EZ intact at baseline
61% decrease in EZ loss between ANX007 and sham in patients with <80% EZ loss at baseline (Nominal p-value 0.0575)48% decrease in EZ loss between ANX007 and sham in patients with <98% EZ loss at baseline (Nominal p-value 0.0218)
About ANX007 and Phase 2 ARCHER Trial
ANX007 is an antigen-binding fragment (Fab) antibody designed as a first-in-kind therapeutic to selectively inhibit C1q, the initiating molecule of the classical complement pathway and a key driver of neurodegeneration. In dry age-related macular degeneration (AMD) or geographic atrophy (GA), C1q binds to photoreceptor synapses, causing aberrant activation of the classical pathway with synapse loss, inflammation and neuronal damage that results in vision loss. Intravitreal administration of ANX007 fully stopped C1q and classical pathway activation. In animal models, the murine analog of ANX007 protected against loss of photoreceptor synapses and cells to preserve function. ANX007 has been granted Fast Track designation from the Food and Drug Administration and is the first therapeutic candidate for the treatment of GA to receive Priority Medicine (PRIME) designation in the EU, which provides early and proactive support to developers of promising medicines that may offer a major therapeutic advantage over existing treatments or benefit to patients without treatment options.
In the randomized, multi-center, double-masked, sham-controlled Phase 2 ARCHER clinical trial, ANX007 demonstrated consistent protection against vision loss across multiple measures in a broad population of patients with GA. ANX007 provided statistically significant, time and dose-dependent protection from vision loss as measured by ≥ 15 letter loss on reading an eye chart with best corrected visual acuity (BCVA≥15), the widely accepted and clinically-meaningful functional endpoint. Significant protection from vision loss was also shown in other prespecified measures of BCVA and visual function, including low luminance visual acuity (LLVA) and low luminance visual deficit (LLVD). ANX007’s treatment effect increased over the course of the on-treatment portion of the study, suggesting that ANX007 may provide a growing and durable treatment effect over time. While benefit gained against vision loss was maintained during the subsequent six-month off-treatment period, the rate of decline for BCVA ≥ 15-letter vision after treatment termination began to parallel that of sham, providing additional support for the observed on-treatment protection. ANX007 was also shown to protect key retinal structures important for vision, including significant protection of photoreceptors as measured by optical coherence tomography (OCT) and supported by slowing of loss of retinal pigment epithelial cells (RPE) near the fovea, as measured by fundus autofluorescence (FAF). ANX007 was generally well-tolerated through month 12, with no increase in choroidal neovascularization (CNV) rates between the treated and sham arms and no events of retinal vasculitis reported.
About Dry AMD and Geographic Atrophy
Dry age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the most common form of AMD and geographic atrophy (GA) is an advanced form of dry AMD, an eye disease that is the leading cause of blindness in the elderly. Dry AMD and GA are chronic progressive neurodegenerative disorders of the retina involving the loss of photoreceptor synapses and cells in the outer retina. GA affects an estimated one million people in the United States and eight million people globally, severely limiting their independence and causing frustration, anxiety and emotional hardship. Effective treatments that preserve vision are still needed, as no currently approved therapies have been shown in clinical trials to significantly prevent vision loss.
About Annexon
Annexon Biosciences (Nasdaq: ANNX) is harnessing neuroinflammation to advance potentially first-in-kind treatments for millions of people living with serious neuroinflammatory diseases of the body, brain and eye. Our novel scientific approach focuses on C1q, the initiating molecule of a potent inflammatory pathway that when misdirected can lead to tissue damage and loss. By targeting C1q, our immunotherapies are designed to stop neuroinflammatory diseases where they start. Our pipeline spans three diverse therapeutic areas – neurodegenerative, ophthalmic and autoimmune diseases – and includes investigational drug candidates designed to address the unmet needs of over 8 million people worldwide. Annexon’s mission is to deliver potentially game-changing therapies to patients so that they can live their best lives. When they thrive, we thrive. To learn more visit annexonbio.com.
Forward Looking Statements
This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. In some cases, you can identify forward-looking statements by terminology such as “aim,” “anticipate,” “assume,” “believe,” “contemplate,” “continue,” “could,” “design,” “due,” “estimate,” “expect,” “goal,” “intend,” “may,” “objective,” “plan,” “positioned,” “potential,” “predict,” “seek,” “should,” “suggest,” “target,” “on track,” “will,” “would” and other similar expressions that are predictions of or indicate future events and future trends, or the negative of these terms or other comparable terminology. All statements other than statements of historical facts contained in this press release are forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, the ability of ANX007 to block upstream C1q, the clinical and regulatory status of ANX007; ANX007’s distinct potential neuroprotective mechanism of action and potential to provide protection from vision loss; the potential therapeutic benefit of ANX007; Annexon’s ability to stop neuroinflammatory diseases where they start; and Annexon’s ability to deliver game-changing therapies to millions of patients. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results and events to differ materially from those anticipated, including, but not limited to, risks and uncertainties related to: the ongoing off-treatment follow-up portion of the Phase 2 ARCHER trial; the company’s history of net operating losses; the company’s ability to obtain necessary capital to fund its clinical programs; the early stages of clinical development of the company’s product candidates; the effects of public health crises on the company’s clinical programs and business operations; the company’s ability to obtain regulatory approval of and successfully commercialize its product candidates; any undesirable side effects or other properties of the company’s product candidates; the company’s reliance on third-party suppliers and manufacturers; the outcomes of any future collaboration agreements; and the company’s ability to adequately maintain intellectual property rights for its product candidates. These and other risks are described in greater detail under the section titled “Risk Factors” contained in the company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K and Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and the company’s other filings with the SEC. Any forward-looking statements that the company makes in this press release are made pursuant to the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, as amended, and speak only as of the date of this press release. Except as required by law, the company undertakes no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.
Investor Contact:
Joyce Allaire
LifeSci Advisors, LLC
jallaire@lifesciadvisors.com
Media Contact:
Sheryl Seapy
Real Chemistry
949-903-4750
sseapy@realchemistry.com
FAQ
What were the key findings of Annexon's Phase 2 ARCHER study for ANX007 in geographic atrophy?
When is Annexon (ANNX) expecting to release Phase 3 ARCHER II data for ANX007?
How does ANX007 work in treating geographic atrophy due to dry AMD?
What was the percentage decrease in EZ loss between ANX007 and sham in patients with <98% EZ loss at baseline in the Phase 2 ARCHER study?
