Apogee Therapeutics Announces First Participants Dosed in Phase 1 Clinical Trial of APG990, its Novel Half-Life Extended OX40L Antibody for the Treatment of Atopic Dermatitis and Other Inflammatory Diseases

Rhea-AI Summary

Apogee Therapeutics (Nasdaq: APGE) has initiated dosing in its Phase 1 clinical trial for APG990, a novel half-life extended monoclonal antibody targeting OX40L for atopic dermatitis (AD) treatment. The trial, involving healthy volunteers, will assess safety, tolerability, and pharmacokinetics. Interim data is expected in 2025.

Apogee plans to start a combination trial of APG777 and APG990 in 2025, potentially offering enhanced efficacy in AD and other inflammatory and immunology (I&I) diseases. This approach combines IL-13 inhibition (APG777) with OX40L inhibition (APG990), targeting multiple inflammation pathways.

The company has advanced three programs to clinical trials within 12 months, demonstrating rapid progress in developing differentiated treatments for major I&I diseases.

Positive

• Initiated Phase 1 clinical trial for APG990, a novel OX40L-targeting antibody for atopic dermatitis
• Advanced three programs to clinical trials within 12 months
• Planned combination trial of APG777 and APG990 in 2025, potentially offering enhanced efficacy
• Targeting multiple inflammation pathways (Type 1-3) for broader treatment potential

Negative

• None.

Insights

Biotechnology Analyst

The initiation of APG990's Phase 1 trial marks a significant milestone for Apogee Therapeutics. This novel OX40L antibody targets a clinically validated pathway for broad inhibition of Type 1-3 inflammation, potentially offering a more comprehensive approach to treating atopic dermatitis (AD).

The company's strategy of combining APG990 with APG777 (IL-13 inhibitor) is particularly intriguing. This dual-mechanism approach could potentially deliver superior efficacy compared to current treatments that primarily target Type 2 inflammation. If successful, this combination could set a new standard in AD treatment.

However, investors should note that interim data is not expected until 2025, indicating a long runway before potential commercialization. The company's rapid advancement of three programs to clinical trials in 12 months is impressive, but also increases cash burn rate, which warrants monitoring of Apogee's financial position.

Clinical Dermatologist

The development of APG990 represents a promising advancement in atopic dermatitis treatment. Current therapies primarily target Type 2 inflammation, leaving a significant unmet need for patients with broader inflammatory profiles. APG990's OX40L inhibition mechanism could potentially address this gap by targeting Type 1-3 inflammation pathways.

The planned combination of APG990 with APG777 (IL-13 inhibitor) is particularly exciting. This approach could offer a more comprehensive inflammatory control, potentially leading to improved outcomes for a wider range of AD patients. If successful, this combination might become a preferred option for patients with inadequate response to current therapies.

However, it's important to await safety and efficacy data from the ongoing trials. The extended half-life feature of both antibodies could potentially allow for less frequent dosing, improving patient convenience and adherence if proven safe and effective.

Interim safety and pharmacokinetic data from Phase 1 healthy volunteers trial anticipated in 2025

Initiation of the first clinical trial of APG777 and APG990 combination expected to commence in 2025 with the potential for greater efficacy in atopic dermatitis and across I&I diseases

SAN FRANCISCO and WALTHAM, Mass., Aug. 19, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Apogee Therapeutics, Inc., (Nasdaq: APGE), a clinical-stage biotechnology company advancing novel biologics with potential for differentiated efficacy and dosing in the largest inflammatory and immunology (I&I) markets, including for the treatment of atopic dermatitis (AD), asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and other I&I indications, today announced that it has initiated dosing of healthy volunteers in its first clinical trial for APG990, a novel, subcutaneous (SQ) half-life extended monoclonal antibody targeting OX40L, which is being developed initially as a treatment for people living with AD.

“The early initiation of the APG990 Phase 1 clinical trial marks another significant milestone for Apogee as we continue to focus on excellence in execution. We have advanced three of our programs into clinical trials in just 12 months, bringing potentially differentiated treatments closer to patients living with the largest I&I diseases,” said Michael Henderson, M.D., Chief Executive Officer of Apogee. “We are initially exploring APG990 for AD, and we believe combining two of the most active, orthogonal mechanisms of IL-13 (APG777) with OX40L (APG990) has the potential to expand patient reach with best-in-class efficacy and dosing. This approach underscores our relentless pursuit for the next wave of innovation in treating patients with AD. We refuse to stop at ‘good enough.’”

The APG990 Phase 1 clinical trial is designed as a double-blind, placebo-controlled, first-in-human, single-ascending dose trial in healthy volunteers. The study will evaluate the safety, tolerability and pharmacokinetics (PK) of APG990 and is expected to enroll approximately 40 healthy adults into 5 cohorts. Apogee expects interim data from the trial in 2025. Pending positive results from the Phase 1 clinical trial and following submission of an Investigational New Drug application or foreign equivalent, the company plans to initiate a Phase 1 clinical trial of APG777 and APG990 as a potential first-in-class approach to test the combination of deep and sustained inhibition of Type 2 inflammation via APG777’s targeted inhibition of IL-13 with broader inhibition of Type 1-3 inflammation through APG990’s inhibition of OX40L. The company plans to initiate the first clinical trial of the APG777 and APG990 combination in 2025.

“The progression of the APG990 program represents an important advancement in our efforts to enhance treatment options for patients with AD,” said Carl Dambkowski, M.D., Chief Medical Officer of Apogee. “AD is a heterogeneous disease where Type 2 inflammation is the core pathway with varying involvement of Type 1 and Type 3 inflammation. While currently available treatments are targeted at the Type 2 pathway, OX40L has been clinically validated to provide broad inhibition of all three inflammation pathways and could enhance treatment options for patients. We plan to investigate APG777 and APG990, our extended half-life mAbs, which could provide both deeper and broader responses, delivering the potential for better overall outcomes and best-in-class dosing for patients living with AD and other I&I diseases.”

About APG990
APG990 is a novel, SQ half-life extended mAb targeting OX40L, initially being developed for AD. OX40L is located further upstream in the inflammatory pathway than IL-13 or IL-4Rα and targeting it could potentially have broader impact on the inflammatory cascade by inhibiting Type 1, Type 2 and Type 3 pathways. AD is a heterogeneous disease and varies by age, severity and ethnicity. With current approved biologics only targeting two mechanisms of action (IL-13 and IL4Rα) in AD, OX40L could represent another therapeutic option for patients, especially the portion of patients who do not benefit from currently available treatments. In our head-to-head preclinical assays, APG990 has demonstrated similar or improved potency to amlitelimab. In our head-to-head studies of APG990 and amlitelimab in non-human primates, APG990 demonstrated a half-life of 26 days versus 21 days for amlitelimab. In addition, based on our preclinical studies, we believe APG990 can be dosed every three to six months in maintenance, which, if our clinical trials are successful, would represent a significant improvement compared to first generation OX40L antibodies that are expected to be dosed every four to twelve weeks.

About Apogee
Apogee Therapeutics is a clinical-stage biotechnology company advancing novel biologics with potential for differentiated efficacy and dosing in the largest inflammatory and immunology (I&I) markets, including for the treatment of atopic dermatitis (AD), asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and other I&I indications. Apogee’s antibody programs are designed to overcome limitations of existing therapies by targeting well-established mechanisms of action and incorporating advanced antibody engineering to optimize half-life and other properties. APG777, the company’s most advanced program, is being initially developed for the treatment of AD, which is the largest and one of the least penetrated I&I markets. With four validated targets in its portfolio, Apogee is seeking to achieve best in class efficacy and dosing through monotherapies and combinations of its novel antibodies. Based on a broad pipeline and depth of expertise, the company believes it can deliver value and meaningful benefit to patients underserved by today’s standard of care. For more information, please visit www.apogeetherapeutics.com.

Forward Looking Statements
Certain statements in this press release may constitute “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the federal securities laws, including, but not limited to, statements regarding: Apogee’s plans for its current and future product candidates and programs, its plans for current and future clinical trials, including a Phase 1 clinical trial for APG990 and a Phase 1 clinical trial for APG990 in combination with APG777; Apogee’s plans for clinical trial design; the anticipated timing of the initiation of and results from Apogee’s clinical trials, including data from Apogee’s Phase 1 clinical trial of APG990; and the potential clinical benefit and half-life of APG777, APG990 and any other potential programs, including combination therapies. Words such as “may,” “might,” “will,” “objective,” “intend,” “should,” “could,” “can,” “would,” “expect,” “believe,” “design,” “estimate,” “predict,” “potential,” “develop,” “plan” or the negative of these terms, and similar expressions, or statements regarding intent, belief, or current expectations, are forward-looking statements. While Apogee believes these forward-looking statements are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on any such forward-looking statements, which are based on information available to the company on the date of this release. These forward-looking statements are based upon current estimates and assumptions and are subject to various risks and uncertainties (including, without limitation, those set forth in Apogee’s filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the SEC)), many of which are beyond the company’s control and subject to change. Actual results could be materially different. Risks and uncertainties include: global macroeconomic conditions and related volatility, expectations regarding the initiation, progress, and expected results of Apogee’s preclinical studies, clinical trials and research and development programs; expectations regarding the timing, completion and outcome of Apogee’s clinical trials; the unpredictable relationship between preclinical study results and clinical study results; the timing or likelihood of regulatory filings and approvals; liquidity and capital resources; and other risks and uncertainties identified in Apogee’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023, filed with the SEC on March 5, 2024, Quarterly Report on 10-Q for the quarterly period ended June 30, 2024, filed with the SEC on August 12, 2024, and subsequent disclosure documents we may file with the SEC. Apogee claims the protection of the Safe Harbor contained in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 for forward-looking statements. Apogee expressly disclaims any obligation to update or alter any statements whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law.

Investor Contact:
Noel Kurdi
VP, Investor Relations
Apogee Therapeutics, Inc.
Noel.Kurdi@apogeetherapeutics.com

Media Contact:
Dan Budwick
1AB Media
dan@1abmedia.com

FAQ

What is the purpose of Apogee Therapeutics' Phase 1 trial for APG990 (APGE)?

The Phase 1 trial for APG990 aims to evaluate the safety, tolerability, and pharmacokinetics of the drug in healthy volunteers as a potential treatment for atopic dermatitis and other inflammatory diseases.

When does Apogee Therapeutics (APGE) expect interim data from the APG990 Phase 1 trial?

Apogee Therapeutics expects to release interim data from the APG990 Phase 1 trial in 2025.

What is Apogee Therapeutics' (APGE) plan for combining APG777 and APG990?

Apogee Therapeutics plans to initiate a Phase 1 clinical trial combining APG777 and APG990 in 2025, aiming to test the combination of IL-13 inhibition and OX40L inhibition for potentially enhanced efficacy in atopic dermatitis and other inflammatory diseases.

How many programs has Apogee Therapeutics (APGE) advanced to clinical trials in the past year?

Apogee Therapeutics has advanced three programs to clinical trials within the past 12 months.