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

Core Insights - Apogee Therapeutics has initiated dosing in a Phase 1 clinical trial for APG990, a novel monoclonal antibody targeting OX40L, aimed at treating atopic dermatitis (AD) [1][2] - The company plans to combine APG990 with APG777 to enhance treatment efficacy for AD and other inflammatory and immunology (I&I) diseases, with the first combination trial expected to start in 2025 [1][2][3] Company Overview - Apogee Therapeutics is a clinical-stage biotechnology company focused on developing novel biologics for I&I markets, including treatments for AD, asthma, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) [5][6] - The company aims to address limitations of existing therapies by targeting established mechanisms of action and optimizing antibody properties [6] Clinical Trial Details - The APG990 Phase 1 trial is a double-blind, placebo-controlled study involving approximately 40 healthy adults across 5 cohorts, evaluating safety, tolerability, and pharmacokinetics [2][3] - Interim safety and pharmacokinetic data from this trial are anticipated in 2025 [1] Mechanism of Action - APG990 targets OX40L, which is positioned upstream in the inflammatory pathway, potentially providing broader inhibition across Type 1, Type 2, and Type 3 inflammation pathways [4] - Current treatments primarily target Type 2 inflammation, while APG990's mechanism could enhance treatment options for patients with varying inflammation pathways [3][4] Future Plans - Following positive results from the APG990 trial, the company plans to initiate a Phase 1 trial for the combination of APG777 and APG990, aiming for a first-in-class approach to treat Type 2 inflammation [2][3]