A Sneak Peek in the AD Pike: Aslan’s Eblasakimab Blocks IL-13Rα1, Inhibits Activation of STAT6

Aslan's eblasakimab is a monoclonal antibody targeting the IL-13 receptor subunit of the Type 2 receptor.

Aslan's eblasakimab, a monoclonal antibody targeting the IL-13 receptor subunit of the Type 2 receptor, is showing promise in atopic dermatitis (AD), according to part of a phase 1a, open-label, single ascending dose study in Clinical Immunology.

“The results show that eblasakimab appears to completely block IL-13Rα1 and inhibit activation of STAT6 which is responsible for driving expression of many inflammatory effector molecules,” says Dr Ferda Cevikbas, Head Translational Sciences, ASLAN Pharmaceuticals, in a news release. “This, together with other data we have recently generated, suggests eblasakimab has the potential to be differentiated from other monoclonal antibodies acting on these pathways due to its distinct blocking of Type 2 receptor signaling without impairing Type 1 receptor signaling.”

Eblasakimab 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 atopic dermatitis (AD). 

Positive results from a Phase 1b multiple-ascending-dose study established proof-of-concept for eblasakimab and supported its potential as a novel, differentiated treatment for AD. 

ASLAN is now conducting TREK-AD, a Phase 2b trial to evaluate eblasakimab in biologic naïve moderate-to-severe AD patients, with topline readout expected in early July 2023. 

ASLAN is also investigating eblasakimab in dupilumab-experienced, moderate-to-severe AD patients in the Phase 2 trial TREK-DX, with data expected in the first quarter of 2024.  

ASLAN is also developing farudodstat, a potent oral inhibitor of the enzyme dihydroorotate dehydrogenase (DHODH) 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 1Q 2024.