Syndax Pharmaceuticals has plans to release data on axatilimab, a treatment for chronic graft-versus-host disease (cGVHD), at the 62nd American Society of Hematology (ASH) Annual Meeting, which will take place from December 5-8.

About Graft-Versus-Host Disease

Graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) is a complication that can occur after a bone marrow or stem cell transplant, as transplanted cells attack the body. There are two forms: acute and chronic. The former happens within the first six months of receiving a transplant, whereas the latter occurs after at least three months and can last a lifetime. The symptoms differ depending on which type you have. The acute form causes abdominal pain, cramps, nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, jaundice, liver issues, redness, itching, and a skin rash. The chronic form brings more symptoms, such as dry eyes and mouth, fatigue, changes in vision, muscle weakness, shortness of breath, weight loss, pain and stiffness in the joints, and skin rash. For treatment, patients should take an immunosuppressant or a steroid. As long as a patient remains on a strict regimen, the case should resolve.

About the Presentation

Syndax Pharmaceuticals will present data from their Phase 1 trial of axatilimab, which is an anti-CSF-1R monoclonal antibody created for the treatment of chronic graft-versus-host disease. In an announcement, the company released the key points of their presentation. They include:

• Positive data in regards to safety and tolerability, as there were no adverse events greater than Grade 3 at the highest dosage
• Seven of the twelve patients achieved an objective response, all of whom had refractory disease and already received a median of five prior treatments
• In terms of its treatment of specific symptoms, axatilimab treated 5/9 patients with joint issues, 3/8 with skin issues, 3/10 with vision issues, 1/1 with esophageal problems, and 1/7 oral issues.

The presentation will also include a conference call with two experts in the field, where they will discuss how axatilimab fits into the changing treatment landscape. It will take place on December 6 at 1:45 PM ET, and you can find out more about it here.

Those working on axatilimab are very excited about its development, as they believe that it can offer something to cGVHD patients that no other treatment does. If the rest of its journey through clinical trials is successful, it will be able to better the lives of patients.

Read more about it here.