APG777 May Ease Burden on Patients With AD

In a recent discussion with Dermatology Times, Emma Guttman-Yassky, MD, PhD, chair of the department of dermatology at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, provided insights into the emerging biologic APG777 (Apogee Therapeutics), a therapy being developed for atopic dermatitis (AD). With its potential for extended dosing intervals and favorable safety profile, APG777 could represent a significant advancement in the treatment landscape of chronic inflammatory skin diseases.

Guttman highlighted her unique perspective as both a clinician and researcher, emphasizing her dual focus on patient care and translational science. “I both see patients and I have a big lab that does translational science,” she said, noting that her experience bridges “both the science and the clinic.”

A key advantage of APG777, according to Guttman, lies in its ease of administration and longer dosing schedule compared to other biologics. She drew parallels to the evolution of psoriasis treatment, noting that interleukin-23 inhibitors— although introduced later than other drug classes—became widely adopted because they could be administered less frequently. “The IL-23 came later, yet they became the number 1 drugs because of the fact that they are given every 12 weeks,” she explained.

The reduced frequency of injections could have a meaningful impact on patients and families affected by AD. Guttman described the anxiety and logistical challenges that frequent injections pose, particularly for children. She observed that families often experience “a lot of anxiety with these injections,” and less frequent dosing every 2 to 3 months could significantly ease that burden.

Regarding safety, Guttman reported that clinical findings so far have been consistent with expectations. “Nothing was out of the ordinary,” she noted, with conjunctivitis being “expected and in line with some others.”

While further studies are needed to confirm long-term efficacy and safety, APG777 appears to be a strong candidate for a new generation of long-acting biologics in atopic dermatitis—one that may improve adherence, convenience, and quality of life for patients.