#Hong Kong #Akeso #bispecific antibody #AK139

Akeso's Dual-Target Innovation: Introducing AK139

Akeso, Inc., a Hong Kong-based biopharmaceutical company, has recently reached an important milestone with the acceptance of its Investigational New Drug (IND) application by the China National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) for AK139. This bispecific antibody aims to address pressing health concerns, specifically respiratory and skin diseases, through its unique mechanism of action.

Understanding AK139

AK139 represents Akeso's first foray into clinical development of an innovative bispecific antibody outside the oncology field and marks the seventh bispecific antibody in its portfolio. This is significant as AK139 is the world's first bispecific antibody targeting both IL-4Rα and ST2. Its mechanism allows it to simultaneously block the IL-4/IL-13 pathway, which plays a fundamental role in allergic responses, along with the IL-33/ST2-mediated inflammation pathway.

Synergistic Effects of Dual Targeting
Preclinical studies have suggested that AK139 has the potential to significantly outperform current monotherapies targeting these pathways due to its dual-action approach. The therapy aims to advance treatments for patients suffering from conditions characterized by inflammation, such as asthma and certain skin disorders. The introduction of AK139 signifies a shift towards a