Jasper Therapeutics announced positive Phase 1b/2a trial results for briquilimab, a subcutaneous antibody targeting KIT (CD117), in patients with chronic inducible urticaria (CIndU). In the 180mg cohort, 100% of participants achieved a clinical response within eight weeks, with 92% achieving a complete response and 83% showing tryptase levels below the lower limit of quantification. Importantly, no serious or high-grade adverse events were reported.
This data is a significant advancement for CIndU treatment, as current options for antihistamine-refractory patients are limited. The high response rate, coupled with the rapid onset of efficacy (66% responded by week 2) and durable response (58% maintained response through week 8), suggests briquilimab could become a preferred treatment. The safety profile, particularly the absence of serious adverse events and effects on hair or skin color, further strengthens briquilimab’s potential.
The SPOTLIGHT study, an open-label trial, enrolled 27 adult participants with ColdU or symptomatic dermographism (the most common CIndU subtypes) across three dose cohorts (40mg, 120mg, and 180mg). The 180mg cohort demonstrated the most promising results, with complete responses observed as early as one week post-dose. Reductions in serum tryptase, a marker for mast cell activation, correlated with clinical improvements. While some participants experienced mild, transient drops in neutrophil counts, these were often associated with concurrent viral infections.
These positive results position briquilimab as a potential game-changer in the CIndU treatment landscape. Further research and larger trials will be needed to confirm these findings and assess long-term efficacy and safety. However, the current data suggests that briquilimab could offer a much-needed, effective, and safe treatment option for patients suffering from this debilitating condition. It also strengthens Jasper Therapeutics’ position in developing targeted therapies for mast cell-driven diseases.
Jon Napitupulu is Director of Media Relations at The Clinical Trial Vanguard. Jon, a computer data scientist, focuses on the latest clinical trial industry news and trends.
