Local Approach to Asthma

Elarekibep (PRS-060/AZD-1402) is Pieris’ lead respiratory Anticalin®-based drug candidate, developed in collaboration with AstraZeneca. Elarekibep blocks the IL-4Rα immunoreceptor, inhibiting small IL-4 and IL-13 proteins that drive a cascade of inflammatory responses in the lungs.

The small size and stability of elarekibep allow the drug to be inhaled directly into the lungs, rather than injected, potentially achieving the same benefits as systemic treatments, but with lower doses and fewer side effects. Phase 1 trials have shown significantly reduced levels of fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO), a biomarker for asthma, in patients with mild asthma.