Akari Therapeutics Establishes US Headquarters in Boston

Akari Therapeutics, a late-stage biotechnology company developing advanced therapies for autoimmune and inflammatory diseases, announced on Aug. 18, 2023 its plan to establish its US headquarters in Boston, Mass. According to a company press release, the office will support expansion efforts in preparation for the beginning of enrollment in two registrational Phase III clinical trials for the recombinant protein therapeutic, nomacopan, in pediatric and adult hematopoietic stem cell transplant-related thrombotic microangiopathy (HSCT-TMA). The expanded operations will also support the start of proline/alanine/serine (PAS)-nomacopan clinical trials in geographic atrophy (GA).

Nomacopan has been tested in other clinical trials, including one for treating bullous pemphigold. The study findings suggested that a larger randomized clinical trial is needed to confirm the safety profile of the molecule to further be considered as a therapeutic option for bullous pemphigold (1).

“Boston is a vibrant epicenter of biotech innovation in the [United States] providing Akari access to … talent and other resources as we continue to build our US capabilities, advance our pivotal clinical trials, and work to realize the promise of nomacopan on behalf of patients and our investors,” said Rachelle Jacques, president and CEO, Akari, in the press release.

Enrollment for the Phase III clinical trials of nomacopan in pediatric and adult HSCT-TMA is expected to begin in late 2023 and 2024, respectively. The clinical trials of long-acting PAS-nomacopan as a potential treatment for GA is expected to start in 2024.

Reference

1. Sadik, C.D.; Rashid, H.; Hammers C. M.; et al. Evaluation of Nomacopan for Treatment of Bullous Pemphigoid: A Phase 2a Nonrandomized Controlled Trial. JAMA Dermatol. 2022, 158 (6), 641–649. DOI:10.1001/jamadermatol.2022.1156

Source: Akari Therapeutics