Quick Takeaways:
- Akston presented preclinical data at the North American Veterinary Dermatology Forum (NAVDF) showing that AKS-699, its IL-31-targeting Fc-fusion immunotherapeutic, delivered durable control of IL-31-induced pruritus comparable to lokivetmab (Cytopoint) in a canine model. The findings suggest AKS-699 could maintain therapeutic benefit with significantly fewer administrations than the monthly dosing schedule associated with Cytopoint.
- AKS-699 induced a robust anti-IL-31 antibody response that remained elevated for more than a year and could be successfully boosted with six- and twelve-month administrations. The treatment maintained over 80% reduction in pruritic events throughout the study, including approximately six months after a booster dose. Unlike exogenous monoclonal antibodies, AKS-699 uses Akston’s Ambifect platform to stimulate the animal’s own immune system to generate antibodies against IL-31.
- The therapy was generally well tolerated, with only mild and transient injection-site reactions observed during the study. Akston believes the extended dosing interval, potential for annual boosters, and fixed-dose administration could help reduce treatment costs and improve owner compliance in dogs with atopic dermatitis, a condition affecting an estimated 10–15% of dogs. The company plans to advance AKS-699 into studies involving client-owned dogs, including animals with naturally occurring atopic dermatitis.
Why It Matters?
AKS-699 is being positioned as a long-interval, owner-friendly alternative to monthly IL‑31 biologics like Cytopoint in canine atopic dermatitis.
The favorable efficacy and tolerability profile in preclinical work (only mild, transient injection-site reactions) underpins the decision to advance into client-owned dogs with naturally occurring disease, where real‑world durability, safety, and owner acceptance will determine how strongly it can compete with established options like lokivetmab and JAK inhibitors.
Source: PRnewswire
