SAN CARLOS, Calif. - Allakos Inc . (NASDAQ: NASDAQ:ALLK), a clinical-stage biotechnology company, shared new preclinical data at the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (AAAAI) Annual Meeting, underscoring the potential of its investigational drug, AK006, to address inflammatory skin diseases.
The data, presented on Friday, February 23, reveals AK006's ability to inhibit mast cell activation through MRGPRX2, a pathway implicated in the pathogenesis of atopic dermatitis and prurigo nodularis. These findings are significant as they suggest a new method for reducing skin inflammation in these conditions.
AK006, a humanized IgG1 monoclonal antibody that activates the inhibitory receptor Siglec-6, has been shown to oppose multiple mast cell activation pathways. This includes inhibition of both IgE-dependent and IgE-independent mast cell activation, with the latter involving the MRGPRX2 and KIT receptors.
By targeting Siglec-6, AK006 not only inhibits mast cell activation but also reduces mast cell numbers through antibody-dependent cellular phagocytosis in the presence of activated macrophages.
The poster presentation detailed that in an MRGPRX2-induced skin inflammation model, AK006 decreased inflammation and mast cell numbers, suggesting a dual mechanism of action that could be beneficial for treating various inflammatory skin diseases.
Allakos is currently conducting a Phase 1 study of AK006 in healthy volunteers and plans to begin dosing patients with chronic spontaneous urticaria in early second quarter of 2024. Results from the Phase 1 study are anticipated throughout the year.
The company focuses on developing therapeutics that target immunomodulatory receptors on immune effector cells involved in allergy, inflammatory and proliferative diseases. AK006 is their most advanced antibody in ongoing clinical development.
This report is based on a press release statement and contains forward-looking statements regarding Allakos's research, business plans, and the potential of AK006. These statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from expectations.
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