Akeso, Inc. announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has cleared the Company's Investigational New Drug (IND) application for AK117, a next generation CD47 monoclonal antibody in combination with azacitidine for treatment of patients with newly diagnosed higher-risk myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS). The upcoming study, known as a randomized, double-blind, global multi-center Phase II study, is set to be conducted in the United States. Based on the favorable safety profile and remarkable efficacy of AK117 in combination with azac itidine for the treatment of newly diagnosed higher-risk MDS patients, as showcased in previous studies, and the strong demand from MDS patients worldwide, Akeso has conducted comprehensive scientific communication and discussions with the FDA regarding.

Akeso believes that this study will facilitate the global development process for AK117. Anemia is a significant symptom of MDS, and effectively managing anemia and minimizing blood transfusion are crucial aspects of disease control. In contrast to other anti-CD47 antibody drugs, which have been reported to enhance anemia in MDS patients by causing RBC hemagglutination, AK117 eliminated RBC hemagglutinating and also enabled to maintain full effectiveness of CD47 blockade on tumor cells, which resulted in excellent antitumor efficacy and favorable safety profile of AK117.

The previous studies of AK117 in combination withazacitidine showed positive results in patients with newly diagnosed higher- risk MDS. AK117 reduced anemia and transfusion requirements among MDS patients, and demonstrated a favorable safety profile and remarkable efficacy. These findings position AK117 as a promising therapeutic option for MDS patients worldwide.

Notably, Akeso is consistently advancing the development of AK117 as a therapeutic agent in combination with various agents such as PD-1/CTLA-4 and PD-1/VEGF, for treatment of multiple hematologic malignancies and solid tumors.