- Akston Biosciences reported new data on AKS-699, an investigational immunotherapy for canine atopic dermatitis.
- In a head-to-head canine study, AKS-699 delivered itch control comparable to Cytopoint (lokivetmab) while requiring substantially fewer treatments.
- Dogs maintained greater than 80% reductions in itch-related behaviors for up to six months following a booster injection.
- The therapy works by stimulating a dog’s immune system to generate antibodies against IL-31, a key driver of allergic itch.
- Akston plans to advance the program into studies involving client-owned dogs with naturally occurring atopic dermatitis.
Akston Biosciences has reported new preclinical findings suggesting its investigational canine atopic dermatitis therapy, AKS-699, could provide long-lasting itch control with fewer injections than currently available treatment options.
The data were presented at a veterinary dermatology conference and compared AKS-699 directly against Cytopoint (lokivetmab), the anti-IL-31 monoclonal antibody widely used to manage allergic itch in dogs. According to the company, AKS-699 achieved comparable control of itch-related behaviors while requiring substantially fewer treatments over the course of the study.
Potential for Extended Dosing Intervals
Canine atopic dermatitis affects an estimated 10% to 15% of dogs and remains one of the most common conditions treated by veterinary dermatologists. The disease is associated with interleukin-31 (IL-31), a cytokine known to play a central role in triggering pruritus.
Unlike monoclonal antibody therapies that require repeated administration, AKS-699 is designed to stimulate the dog’s own immune system to produce antibodies against IL-31. The company believes this approach may allow for longer-lasting itch control while reducing treatment frequency.
In the study, dogs receiving AKS-699 maintained more than 80% reductions in IL-31-induced pruritic behaviors throughout the evaluation period. The company reported that a three-dose induction regimen followed by a booster administered six months later provided antipruritic activity comparable to lokivetmab.
Researchers also observed sustained anti-IL-31 antibody responses lasting more than one year, with antibody levels increasing following booster administration.
Safety Findings
Akston reported that AKS-699 was generally well tolerated throughout the study. Mild injection-site reactions were observed in some dogs but resolved without intervention. No clinically meaningful safety concerns were reported, according to the company.
Next Steps
The company plans to further evaluate AKS-699 in client-owned dogs, including animals with naturally occurring atopic dermatitis, to better understand safety, efficacy, duration of response, and the potential for annual booster administration.
If future studies confirm the findings, AKS-699 could offer veterinarians and pet owners a new approach to managing chronic allergic itch while reducing the frequency of veterinary visits and repeat injections.
AKS-699 is an investigational therapy and is not currently approved or available for commercial use.
Information sourced from the company’s press release.
Editor’s note: This article contains forward-looking statements regarding an investigational product. Future clinical outcomes, regulatory approvals, safety findings, efficacy results, commercial availability, and development timelines remain subject to ongoing research, testing, and regulatory review.
