ASLAN Pharmaceuticals Completes Phase 1 Study

ASLAN Pharmaceuticals recently announced the successful completion of its single ascending dose (SAD) study testing the first-in-class therapeutic antibody ASLAN004 in healthy volunteers, and the updated data from the second part of the study that tested a subcutaneous formulation of ASLAN004. ASLAN004 is a fully human monoclonal antibody that binds to the IL-13 receptor α1 subunit (IL-13Rα1), blocking signaling of two pro-inflammatory cytokines, IL-4 and IL-13, which are central to triggering symptoms of atopic dermatitis (AD), such as redness and itching of the skin.

 Dr Carl Firth, Chief Executive Officer of ASLAN Pharmaceuticals, said “The final data from the phase 1 study reaffirms our belief that ASLAN004 has the potential to be a best-in-class therapy for atopic dermatitis and allows us to quickly move into a multiple ascending dose study later this year. We have demonstrated that ASLAN004 has a favourable tolerability profile when administered either intravenously or subcutaneously without triggering any serious adverse effects. We believe ASLAN004’s differentiated profile could offer patients a way to treat atopic dermatitis with a less frequent dosing-regimen and more convenient administration relative to existing therapies, ultimately lowering the burden of AD for patients and healthcare systems.”

ASLAN reported interim results from the first part of the study, which tested ASLAN004 administered intravenously, in March 2019. Data from the second part of the study showed that ASLAN004 was well tolerated at all doses when administered subcutaneously. There were no adverse events that led to discontinuations and only one case of mild itch as an injection site reaction, which resolved within 24 hours. Analysis of downstream mediators including phosphorylation of STAT6 (pSTAT6), a critical mediator of allergic inflammation, demonstrated complete inhibition within one hour of dosing and a pharmacokinetic profile that suggests ASLAN004 could target a once monthly dose regimen. Notably, it was observed that the trough level of ASLAN004 required to completely inhibit signal transduction via the receptor was over an order of magnitude lower than that of existing therapies.

The positive data follows ASLAN’s announcement on 31 May 2019 that it had amended its agreement with CSL to acquire global rights to develop, manufacture and commercialise ASLAN004. As a next step, ASLAN expects to initiate a multiple ascending dose study in moderate to severe atopic dermatitis patients in the second half of 2019.

Atopic dermatitis is the most common dermatological disease, affecting over 200 million patients worldwide, characterized by red inflamed skin and severe daytime and night-time itching, which can severely impact patients’ quality of life. Up to one-third of adult atopic dermatitis patients are considered moderate-to-severe, for which currently available therapeutics are limited and management is challenging in the majority of cases.

ASLAN004 is a fully human monoclonal antibody that targets the IL-13 receptor α1 subunit, or IL-13Rα1, with potential to be a best-in-class therapy. By targeting IL-13Rα1, ASLAN004 potently inhibits signalling of both interleukin 4, or IL-4, and interleukin 13, or IL-13. IL-4 and IL-13 are central to triggering symptoms of allergy in atopic dermatitis, such as redness and itching of the skin, as well as asthma symptoms such as shortness of breath, exacerbations of disease, wheezing and coughing.

ASLAN Pharmaceuticals is a clinical-stage oncology and immunology focused biopharma company targeting cancers that are both highly prevalent in Asia and orphan indications in the United States and Europe. Led by a senior management team with extensive experience in global and regional development and commercialisation, ASLAN is headquartered in Singapore and has offices in Taiwan and China. ASLAN’s clinical portfolio is comprised of three product candidates which target validated growth pathways applied to new patient segments, novel immune checkpoints and novel cancer metabolic pathways. ASLAN’s partners include Array BioPharma, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Almirall and CSL. For more information, visit www.aslanpharma.com.