LOUISVILLE, Ky., Nov. 21, 2016 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Apellis Pharmaceuticals, Inc., a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on inhibition of the complement system, announced today it will present data from Phase 1 clinical trials of APL-2 in paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH) at two scientific meetings in December in San Diego. PNH is a rare, acquired, potentially life-threatening disease characterized by complement-mediated hemolytic anemia. Unlike other complement inhibitors, APL-2 targets C3, blocking all three activation pathways of the complement system, which may provide a more effective treatment approach than existing therapies.

International PNH Interest Group (IPIG) Annual Scientific Assembly

Apellis will present new data from two Phase Ib open-label, dose-escalation clinical trials – a study assessing the safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics (PK), pharmacodynamics (PD) and preliminary efficacy of multiple doses of APL-2 administered by daily subcutaneous injection (SC) in patients with PNH, and a study assessing the safety, tolerability, PK and PD of single and multiple doses of APL-2 administered by SC as an add-on to standard of care in subjects with PNH.

Date:  Friday, December 2, 2016
Time:  6 p.m. PT
Location:  Manchester Grand Hyatt, San Diego

For more information about the IPIG Annual Scientific Assembly, visit http://www.pnhinterestgroup.org/meetings/professionals/international-pnh-interest-group-11th-annual-scientific-meeting.

American Society of Hematology (ASH) Annual Meeting

Apellis will present the following poster detailing data from Phase 1 clinical trials assessing the safety, tolerability, PK and PD of single and multiple doses of APL-2 administered by SC in healthy adult volunteers.

Title:  APL-2, a Complement C3 Inhibitor for the Potential Treatment of Paroxysmal Nocturnal Hemoglobinuria (PNH): Phase I Data from Two Completed Studies in Healthy Volunteers
Abstract Number:  1251
Session:  101. Red Cells and Erythropoiesis, Structure and Function, Metabolism, and Survival, Excluding Iron: Poster I
Date:  Saturday, December 3, 2016
Time:  5:30-7:30 p.m. PT
Location:  San Diego Convention Center, Hall GH  

For more information about the ASH Annual Meeting, visit http://www.hematology.org/Annual-Meeting/.

About Paroxysmal Nocturnal Hemoglobinuria

Paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH) is a rare, acquired, potentially life-threatening disease characterized by complement-mediated hemolysis with or without hemoglobinuria, an increased susceptibility to thrombotic episodes and/or some degree of bone marrow dysfunction.  A significant subset of patients treated with the current standard of care still suffer from debilitating anemia and transfusion dependence.

About APL-2

APL-2 is a synthetic cyclic peptide conjugated to a polyethylene glycol (PEG) polymer that binds specifically to C3 and C3b, effectively blocking all three pathways of complement activation (classical, lectin, and alternative) with a particularly high potency against the alternative pathway. This comprehensive inhibition of complement-mediated pathology may have the potential to control symptoms and modify underlying disease in patients suffering from PNH.  

About Apellis

Apellis is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on the development of a platform of novel therapeutic compounds for the treatment of a broad range of autoimmune diseases based upon complement immunotherapy. Uncontrolled complement activation can lead to a wide range of life-threatening or debilitating disorders. Apellis is the first company to advance chronic therapy with a C3 inhibitor into clinical trials. Apellis is currently evaluating its lead product candidates in Phase 1 clinical trials in paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH) and in a Phase 2 clinical trial in geographic atrophy, the advanced form of dry age-related macular degeneration (AMD). For additional information about Apellis, please visit www.apellis.com.

Media Contact:
Annie Starr
6 Degrees
973-415-8838
astarr@6degreespr.com

Legal Disclaimer:

EIN Presswire provides this news content "as is" without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the author above.