ASLAN Pharmaceuticals Provides TREK-DX Study Update and Highlights Potential of Eblasakimab in Dupilumab-Experienced Atopic Dermatitis Patients

Rhea-AI Summary

ASLAN Pharmaceuticals initiates TREK-DX trial for eblasakimab in dupilumab-experienced AD patients, showing promising results. The study aims to target IL-13R effectively, potentially offering a new treatment option for AD patients.

Insights

Medical Research Analyst

The initiation of the TREK-DX trial by ASLAN Pharmaceuticals marks a significant development in the treatment landscape for atopic dermatitis (AD). The study's focus on patients who have previously been treated with dupilumab but did not achieve an adequate response is noteworthy, as it addresses a clear unmet medical need. The preliminary data showing a high percentage of patients achieving EASI-90 and vIGA scores of 0 or 1 is promising, potentially indicating that eblasakimab could offer a more effective treatment option for this subset of patients.

From a scientific perspective, the differentiation in targeting IL-13R instead of IL-4R could be a game-changer in biologic therapy for AD. The translational data suggesting that eblasakimab leads to a more efficient reduction of key cytokines could translate into better clinical outcomes for patients. This has implications for the future positioning of eblasakimab in the market and could influence prescribing patterns should the drug gain regulatory approval.

Market Research Analyst

The projected market size for AD treatments reaching $10 billion by 2029 underscores the significant commercial potential for new therapies like eblasakimab. ASLAN Pharmaceuticals' strategic focus on a patient population dissatisfied with current treatments could allow them to capture a niche but sizable segment of the market. The emphasis on stringent endpoints such as EASI-90 and vIGA in their study reflects a commitment to demonstrating high efficacy, which could strengthen their value proposition to patients, healthcare providers and payers.

Moreover, the company's market research indicating moderate satisfaction with existing treatments suggests a readiness in the market for alternative options. The success of eblasakimab could compel competitors to innovate and improve their offerings, potentially leading to a dynamic shift in the AD treatment paradigm.

Financial Analyst

The advancement of the TREK-DX trial is a critical milestone for ASLAN Pharmaceuticals and could have significant financial implications. Positive topline data, expected by the end of 2024, could act as a catalyst for the company's stock price. Investors will be closely monitoring the progress of this trial, as success could lead to a substantial increase in the company's valuation due to the potential market opportunity.

However, it is important to note the risks involved. Drug development is inherently uncertain and despite promising preliminary data, the final results may differ. Furthermore, the competitive landscape of AD treatments is evolving and the entry of new therapies could impact the market share that eblasakimab might capture. Investors should consider these factors when evaluating ASLAN Pharmaceuticals' long-term growth prospects.

• TREK-DX, the first randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study to be conducted in a dupilumab-experienced atopic dermatitis (AD) patient population, has started enrolling patients in the US under an updated protocol; new European sites are on track to open in the first half of 2024
• In a preliminary review of blinded data from 22 patients treated to date, 45% (10/22) of patients saw at least a 90% reduction in their EASI score (EASI-90) and 50% (11/22) of patients achieved a vIGA score of 0 or 1 (clear or almost clear skin) after 16 weeks. Topline unblinded data from the full dataset is expected at the end of 2024
• Translational data demonstrates differentiated effects of targeting IL-13R versus IL-4R, suggesting eblasakimab has the potential to be effective in AD patients that do not achieve an adequate response to dupilumab, a significant and underserved patient population with few safe and long-term treatment options
  

SAN MATEO, Calif. and SINGAPORE, March 11, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- ASLAN Pharmaceuticals Ltd. (Nasdaq: ASLN), a clinical-stage, immunology focused biopharmaceutical company developing innovative treatments to transform the lives of patients, today announced that it has begun to enroll patients in the US under an updated protocol in the ongoing TREK-DX trial, studying eblasakimab in dupilumab-experienced patients with moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis (AD).

TREK-DX is the first randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial to be conducted in AD patients who have been previously treated with dupilumab, a market estimated to reach $10 billion by 2029¹. Based on findings from the TREK-AD study which highlighted the changing AD patient population in the US, the TREK-DX inclusion criteria have been tightened to enroll patients with a baseline Eczema Area and Severity Index (EASI) score of at least 18, instead of 16. In conjunction with this, independent reviewer confirmation of baseline EASI scores has also been implemented. US sites are now enrolling patients according to the updated criteria and additional sites in Europe are on track to open in the first half of 2024.

TREK-DX will enroll approximately 75 patients who have discontinued dupilumab treatment for any reason, including inadequate control of AD, loss of access or an adverse event, and treat them with either 400mg eblasakimab or placebo once weekly for 16 weeks. At the time of the data cut off for this preliminary review of blinded data from 22 patients enrolled under the original inclusion criteria, who were randomized 2:1 active to placebo, 17 patients completed the 16 week treatment period and 5 patients discontinued before the completion of the 16 week treatment period. At 16 weeks or the last visit, EASI score decreased at least 90% (EASI-90) in 10 patients, or 45%, and 11 patients, or 50%, achieved a validated Investigator Global Assessment (vIGA) score of 0 or 1 (clear or almost clear skin). Of the 9 patients who previously had an inadequate response to dupilumab, 5 patients (56%) achieved EASI-90 and 5 patients (56%) a vIGA score of 0 or 1. Treatments have been well-tolerated to date and no new safety signals were identified. There have been no reports of conjunctivitis and no reports of injection site reactions. Topline unblinded data from the full dataset is expected at the end of 2024.

“63% of dupilumab-treated patients fail to achieve clear or almost clear skin (IGA score of 0 or 1) after 16 weeks², and around half of those patients that do achieve this response do not maintain it after the subsequent 36 weeks³, so there is a significant need for additional biologic therapies that could provide a safe and efficacious long-term treatment option for patients that do not achieve an adequate response to dupilumab. EASI-90 and vIGA are among the most stringent of endpoints in AD studies. Although this is based on a preliminary review of the blinded data, we are encouraged to observe a high percentage of patients in the TREK-DX study meeting these endpoints to date. Our market research found that most AD patients are only moderately satisfied with their current treatment. This, together with the translational data we have generated, supports the potential role of eblasakimab as a treatment for these patients, and the data we are generating in the TREK-DX study could demonstrate that, for many patients, eblasakimab could control their disease even where dupilumab has not,” said Dr Carl Firth, Chief Executive Officer, ASLAN Pharmaceuticals.

Translational data demonstrates differentiated effects of targeting IL-13R versus IL-4R, suggesting eblasakimab has the potential to be effective even in instances where dupilumab is not
Eblasakimab targets the IL-13 receptor (IL-13R) subunit of the Type 2 receptor, preventing signaling through both interleukin 4 (IL-4) and interleukin 13 (IL-13). Both are key drivers of inflammation in AD, however, recently published translational data highlighted the advantages of targeting IL-13R by eblasakimab over the IL-4 receptor (IL-4R), the target of dupilumab, in AD patient peripheral blood mononuclear cells⁴. IL-13R blockade resulted in more efficient reduction of cytokines implicated in Type 2-driven (allergic) inflammation compared to IL-4R blockade, as well as lower levels of Type 1 pro-inflammatory cytokines. Additional data from head-to-head studies between eblasakimab and dupilumab in skin biopsies from AD patients confirmed the differentiated effects of targeting IL-13R versus IL-4R⁵. In this study, eblasakimab reduced localized secretion of pro-inflammatory Type 2 cytokines by the skin tissue more efficiently than dupilumab, suggesting eblasakimab could have the potential to be effective in AD patients that do not achieve an adequate response to dupilumab.

References

1. Decision Resources Group (2023) Atopic Dermatitis Disease Landscape and Forecast Report
2. Thaci et al (2019) J Dermatol Sci 94(2):266-275
3. Worm et al (2020) JAMA Derm 156(2):131-143
4. Cevikbas et al (2023) 1^st International Society of Investigative Dermatology Meeting, May 10-14, 2023
5. Cevikbas et al (2023) 7^th Annual Dermatology Drug Development Summit, October 31-November 2, 2023
   

About TREK-DX

TREK-DX trial is a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multicenter trial to evaluate the efficacy and safety of eblasakimab in patients with moderate-to-severe AD previously treated with dupilumab. The trial will enroll approximately 75 patients who have discontinued dupilumab treatment for any reason, including inadequate control of AD, loss of access or an adverse event. The trial consists of a 16-week treatment period and an 8-week safety follow-up period. The primary efficacy endpoint is percentage change in Eczema Area Severity Index (EASI) score from baseline to week 16. Key secondary efficacy endpoints include the proportion of patients achieving validated Investigator Global Assessment (vIGA) score of 0 (clear) or 1 (almost clear), proportion of patients with a 75% or greater reduction in EASI (EASI-75), proportion of patients achieving EASI-50 and EASI-90, and changes in peak pruritus.

About eblasakimab

Eblasakimab is a potential first-in-class monoclonal antibody targeting the IL-13 receptor subunit of the Type 2 receptor, a key pathway driving several allergic inflammatory diseases. Eblasakimab’s unique mechanism of action enables specific blockade of the Type 2 receptor and has the potential to improve upon current biologics used to treat allergic disease. By blocking the Type 2 receptor, eblasakimab prevents signaling through both interleukin 4 (IL-4) and interleukin 13 (IL-13) – the key drivers of inflammation in AD and Type 2 driven COPD. Positive results from the Phase 2b TREK-AD study in moderate-to-severe AD support eblasakimab’s potential to deliver a monthly dosing regimen from initiation in AD without compromising on efficacy and with an encouraging safety profile demonstrated to date, with preparations for Phase 3 underway. ASLAN is also investigating eblasakimab in dupilumab experienced, moderate-to-severe AD patients in the Phase 2 TREK-DX study.

About ASLAN Pharmaceuticals

ASLAN Pharmaceuticals (Nasdaq: ASLN) is a clinical-stage, immunology-focused biopharmaceutical company developing innovative treatments to transform the lives of patients. ASLAN is developing eblasakimab, a potential first-in-class antibody targeting the IL-13 receptor in moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis (AD) with the potential to improve upon current biologics used to treat allergic disease, and has reported positive topline data from a Phase 2b, dose-ranging study in moderate-to-severe AD patients. ASLAN is also investigating eblasakimab in dupilumab experienced, moderate-to-severe AD patients in the Phase 2 TREK-DX study with a topline data readout expected at the end of 2024. Farudodstat, a potent oral inhibitor of the enzyme dihydroorotate dehydrogenase (DHODH), is being developed by ASLAN as a potential first-in-class treatment for alopecia areata (AA) in a Phase 2a, proof-of-concept trial with an interim readout expected in mid-2024. ASLAN has teams in San Mateo, California, and in Singapore. For additional information please visit ASLAN’s website or follow ASLAN on LinkedIn.

Forward-looking statements

This release contains forward-looking statements. These statements are based on the current beliefs and expectations of the management of ASLAN Pharmaceuticals Limited and/or its affiliates (the "Company"). These forward-looking statements may include, but are not limited to statements regarding the Company’s business strategy and clinical development plans; the Company’s plans to develop and commercialize eblasakimab; statements related to the safety and efficacy of eblasakimab, including preliminary blinded data; the Company’s plans and expected timing with respect to manufacturing activities, clinical trials, clinical trial enrolment and clinical trial results for eblasakimab; and the potential of eblasakimab as a first-in-class treatment for atopic dermatitis. The Company’s estimates, projections and other forward-looking statements are based on management's current assumptions and expectations of future events and trends, which affect or may affect the Company’s business, strategy, operations, or financial performance, and inherently involve significant known and unknown risks and uncertainties. Actual results and the timing of events could differ materially from those anticipated in such forward-looking statements as a result of many risks and uncertainties, which include, unexpected safety or efficacy data observed during preclinical or clinical studies; risks that future clinical trial results may not be consistent with interim, initial or preliminary results or results from prior preclinical studies or clinical trials; risks that trends or characteristics based on preliminary blinded data may not be consistent with unblinded data; clinical site activation rates or clinical trial enrolment rates that are lower than expected; the impact of geopolitical conflicts and bank failures on the Company’s business and the global economy; general market conditions; changes in the competitive landscape; and the Company’s ability to obtain sufficient financing to fund its strategic and clinical development plans. Other factors that may cause actual results to differ from those expressed or implied in such forward-looking statements are described in the Company’s US Securities and Exchange Commission filings and reports (Commission File No. 001- 38475), including the Company’s Annual Report on Form 20-F filed with the US Securities and Exchange Commission on March 24, 2023. All statements other than statements of historical fact are forward-looking statements. The words “believe,” “may,” “might,” “could,” “will,” “aim,” “estimate,” “continue,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “expect,” “plan,” or the negative of those terms, and similar expressions that convey uncertainty of future events or outcomes are intended to identify estimates, projections, and other forward-looking statements. Estimates, projections, and other forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they were made, and, except to the extent required by law, the Company undertakes no obligation to update or review any estimate, projection, or forward-looking statement.

ASLAN Media and IR contacts

Emma Thompson Spurwing Communications Tel: +65 6206 7350 Email: ASLAN@spurwingcomms.com

Ashley R. Robinson LifeSci Advisors, LLC Tel: +1 (617) 430-7577 Email: arr@lifesciadvisors.com

FAQ

What is the purpose of the TREK-DX trial conducted by ASLAN Pharmaceuticals?

The purpose of the TREK-DX trial is to study eblasakimab in dupilumab-experienced patients with moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis (AD).

What are some key findings from the preliminary review of blinded data in the TREK-DX trial?

45% of patients saw at least a 90% reduction in their EASI score (EASI-90), and 50% of patients achieved a vIGA score of 0 or 1 after 16 weeks.

What is the significance of targeting IL-13R with eblasakimab in AD patients?

Targeting IL-13R with eblasakimab shows potential to be effective in AD patients who do not respond adequately to dupilumab, offering a new treatment option.

When is the topline unblinded data from the full dataset of the TREK-DX trial expected?

The topline unblinded data from the full dataset of the TREK-DX trial is expected at the end of 2024.

What are some advantages of targeting IL-13R over IL-4R in AD patients?

Targeting IL-13R results in more efficient reduction of cytokines implicated in Type 2-driven inflammation compared to targeting IL-4R.