Avalo Therapeutics, Inc. (Nasdaq: AVTX) has appointed Jennifer Riley as Chief Strategy Officer, effective January 1, 2025. In this newly created role, Ms. Riley will be responsible for overseeing corporate strategy, commercial planning, and product pipeline development, with the overarching goal of driving growth and innovation within the company.
Riley's Background and Expertise
Dr. Garry Neil, Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board at Avalo Therapeutics, expressed enthusiasm about Ms. Riley's appointment, highlighting her extensive leadership experience and deep expertise in immunology. Riley's background includes senior leadership roles at Biogen, where she served as Vice President of Program Leadership and Management, overseeing strategy and launch readiness for the company's hemophilia portfolio. She also founded Northbrook Consulting, advising over 30 companies on development strategies, commercialization, and portfolio optimization. Ms. Riley holds a BS in molecular biology from the University of California San Diego and a Masters in virology from Harvard University.
Focus on AVTX-009 and IL-1β Inhibition
A key focus for Ms. Riley will be the advancement of Avalo's lead asset, AVTX-009, an anti-IL-1β monoclonal antibody currently in the LOTUS Phase 2 trial for hidradenitis suppurativa (HS). This role is pivotal for Avalo as they refine their commercialization strategies and explore indication expansion. AVTX-009 is a humanized monoclonal antibody (IgG4) that binds to interleukin-1β (IL-1β) with high affinity, neutralizing its activity. IL-1β is a central driver in the inflammatory process, and its overproduction or dysregulation is implicated in many autoimmune and inflammatory diseases.
LOTUS Trial Details
The LOTUS Trial is a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group Phase 2 trial evaluating the efficacy and safety of AVTX-009 in approximately 180 adults with moderate to severe hidradenitis suppurativa. Subjects are randomized (1:1:1) to receive one of two dosing regimens of AVTX-009 or placebo during a 16-week treatment phase. The primary efficacy endpoint is the proportion of subjects achieving Hidradenitis Suppurativa Clinical Response (HiSCR75) at Week 16. Secondary endpoints include HiSCR50 and HiSCR90, change from baseline in International HS Severity Score System (IHS4), draining fistula count, abscess and inflammatory nodule (AN) count, and Patient’s Global Assessment of Skin Pain (PGA Skin Pain).
Hidradenitis Suppurativa: An Unmet Need
Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a chronic inflammatory skin condition characterized by painful nodules, abscesses, and tunnels that form in areas of the body such as the armpits, groin, and buttocks, severely impacting the quality of life of affected individuals. Estimates of HS prevalence vary between 0.2-1.7% of the population worldwide. While advances in treatment have been made, limited treatment options are available. IL-1β plays a crucial role in the inflammatory cascade underlying HS, contributing to tissue damage, inflammation, and disease progression.
