Biocryst Pharmaceuticals Inc.’s near-term dilution should “pave the way for entrenchment” in the hereditary angioedema (HAE) space, thanks to the buyout of Astria Therapeutics Inc., RBC analyst Brian Abrahams said.
Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic, inflammatory skin condition driven by complex immune mechanisms involving T cells. In the context of AD, OX40, a costimulatory receptor present on activated T cells, supports the function of inflammatory T cells, exacerbating skin dysfunction. Researchers from Astria Therapeutics Inc. presented the preclinical characterization of STAR-0310, a humanized monoclonal IgG1 antibody targeting OX40.
Astria Therapeutics Inc. has gained IND clearance from the FDA for STAR-0310, a monoclonal antibody OX40 antagonist being developed for atopic dermatitis.
Inhibition of OX40 is known to induce and maintain responses in moderate to severe atopic dermatitis (AD). Astria Therapeutics Inc. and Ichnos Sciences Inc. are developing STAR-0310, a YTE-modified (M252Y/S254T/T256E) monoclonal antibody targeting OX40.
Astria Therapeutics Inc.’s potential $320 million deal with Ichnos Sciences Inc. to bring aboard an OX40 portfolio for atopic dermatitis puts the firm in line to compete with big pharma, which is trying – at a much later stage – the same mechanism of action.
Biocryst Pharmaceuticals Inc.’s unveiling of real-world data Feb. 24 with its approved Orladeyo (berotralstat) for prophylactic treatment of hereditary angioedema (HAE) brought more attention to the space, due to yield findings from would-be competitors in the near term.
Another biopharma consultant got on the wrong side of the U.S. SEC for insider trading. To resolve the allegations, Hugh Lee Sweeney, a longtime consultant for Catabasis Pharmaceutical Inc., agreed to a cease-and-desist order, disgorgement of $57,931 and prejudgment interest of $2,499.71, and civil penalties of $57,931.
