Jasper Therapeutics reports promising results for Briquilimab in Chronic Urticaria treatment

Jasper Therapeutics, Inc., a biotechnology company specializing in treatments for mast cell-driven diseases, has released groundbreaking preliminary results from its BEACON Phase 1b/2a study. The study evaluates briquilimab, a monoclonal antibody targeting the c-Kit receptor (CD117), as a therapeutic for chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU).

The data highlights rapid and sustained symptom relief in participants with moderate to severe CSU, achieving a mean reduction of -26.6 in Urticaria Activity Score over seven days (UAS7) for the 240mg single-dose cohort by week eight. Remarkably, 100% of patients in this cohort attained complete symptom resolution (UAS7 = 0), with 66% maintaining well-controlled disease at 12 weeks.

A New Frontier in Chronic Urticaria Treatment

Briquilimab targets the c-Kit receptor, critical for mast cell survival, by blocking stem cell factor binding. This action induces mast cell apoptosis, addressing the root cause of inflammation in mast cell-driven diseases such as CSU and asthma. Jasper Therapeutics’ Chief Medical Officer, Edwin Tucker, underscored briquilimab’s ability to achieve durable clinical responses with a favorable safety profile, positioning the drug as a potential leader in chronic urticaria treatment.

The BEACON study included multiple dosing regimens ranging from 80mg to 240mg, all demonstrating robust efficacy. Participants receiving higher doses experienced sustained symptom relief, with durability increasing alongside dosage. Serum tryptase levels, a key biomarker of mast cell activity, dropped below measurable limits in multiple cohorts, further validating briquilimab’s therapeutic potential.

Expert Insights Bolster Confidence

Dr. Thomas B. Casale of the University of South Florida Morsani College of Medicine expressed optimism regarding the BEACON study findings. He noted the rapid and consistent symptom control, even among patients previously treated with omalizumab, highlighting briquilimab’s promise as a next-generation therapeutic for CSU.

The favorable safety data, including minimal side effects and no dose-limiting toxicities, bolstered confidence in the treatment. Predictable, reversible decreases in neutrophil counts were observed without significant clinical impact, affirming briquilimab’s tolerability across diverse patient profiles.

Implications for Future Development

Jasper Therapeutics is preparing to advance briquilimab into a registrational Phase 2b trial, expected to begin in the second half of 2025. This trial will refine dosing strategies based on findings from ongoing cohorts, including a 240mg bi-monthly dose and additional single-dose regimens.

The BEACON study results, combined with outcomes from Jasper’s SPOTLIGHT trial, suggest briquilimab may play a pivotal role in treating mast cell-driven diseases. Jasper CEO Ronald Martell emphasized the company’s commitment to accelerating briquilimab’s development to address the unmet needs of patients with mast cell diseases.

A Step Towards Redefining Care

With its unique mechanism of action, robust safety profile, and demonstrated efficacy, briquilimab is poised to transform the landscape of chronic urticaria treatment. The drug’s ability to provide rapid and durable symptom relief offers new hope for patients struggling with moderate to severe CSU.

Jasper Therapeutics’ BEACON study represents a significant milestone in the company’s broader mission to develop innovative therapies targeting mast cell-driven diseases, further solidifying its position as a leader in the biotechnology sector.