Dermatology · 2 h ago
OX40 inhibitor programs for atopic dermatitis halted after Kaposi sarcoma cases
A Norwegian medical journal report says development programs for two OX40-pathway inhibitors in atopic dermatitis were discontinued after a small number of Kaposi sarcoma cases emerged during clinical trials. A causal link remains unproven, although the report notes biological plausibility related to impaired T-cell function.
- Two OX40-pathway drug programs were discontinued.
- A few Kaposi sarcoma cases arose during clinical testing.
- Causality and event rates remain uncertain.
Monoclonal antibodies targeting OX40 or its ligand OX40L have shown efficacy in studies of moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis. The report describes the discontinuation of clinical development programs for two such agents—rocatinlimab and amlitelimab—after a few cases of Kaposi sarcoma were reported during clinical testing. It does not provide trial-level details, patient numbers, or event rates.
Kaposi sarcoma is associated with human herpesvirus 8 and can occur in people with impaired T-cell function. The report notes that OX40 deficiency has been identified in some cases of early-onset Kaposi sarcoma, supporting biological plausibility for a concern about immune suppression. However, it remains unclear whether OX40 inhibitors caused the cancers. The cited article also discusses whether anti-inflammatory effects of OX40 modulation can be separated from risks of immunodeficiency and malignancy. These safety concerns led the companies to end the cited programs, but the available information does not quantify risk or establish causation.
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Tidsskrift for Den norske legeforening: Lovende behandling mot atopisk dermatitt trukket ↗This is an automated AI-condensed summary that has not yet been reviewed by an editor. Always consult the full item at the original source.