Apollo's IL-18 Antibody Shows Promise in Phase 2 Eczema Trial

Apollo Therapeutics' strategic investment in an anti-IL-18 monoclonal antibody has yielded positive results in a recent phase 2 clinical trial for atopic dermatitis (AD). The study, which involved 62 patients with moderate to severe AD in the United States and Canada, demonstrated significant efficacy and potential advantages over existing treatments.

Promising Efficacy and Safety Profile

The phase 2a trial of camoteskimab, administered intravenously, met its primary endpoint with a statistically significant reduction in patients' eczema area and severity scores compared to placebo at 16 weeks. The open-label phase of the study revealed further improvements, with patients experiencing an average 80% reduction in eczema scores. Notably, approximately 65% of patients achieved a 75% or greater reduction from baseline.

Richard Mason, CEO of Apollo, highlighted the drug's differentiation "across efficacy, safety, and dosing frequency." He also emphasized camoteskimab's "class-leading potential with its differentiated ability to degrade IL-18."

Potential for Treatment-Resistant Patients

One of the most encouraging aspects of the trial was the response observed in patients who had previously failed to benefit from Th2-specific anti-IL-13/anti-IL-4 biologics, such as Sanofi and Regeneron's Dupixent. All patients in this category showed a "clinically meaningful" response to camoteskimab.

Mason noted, "The efficacy of camoteskimab in patients who have previously failed anti-IL-13/anti-IL-4 biologics is also highly encouraging and highlights the importance of developing novel mechanisms of action beyond Th2-specific therapeutics for patients with atopic dermatitis."

Strategic Investment Pays Off

Apollo's decision to acquire the rights to camoteskimab from Avalo Therapeutics in 2022 for $15 million upfront appears to have been a shrewd move. Initially, the asset was undergoing a phase 1b trial for adult-onset Still's disease. However, Apollo recognized its potential in the competitive atopic dermatitis market.

This successful phase 2 trial validates Apollo's hub-and-spoke approach to drug development, which now encompasses over 20 programs. The company's ability to identify and develop promising candidates across multiple therapeutic areas underscores its growing influence in the pharmaceutical industry.