GlobeNewswire Inc | Nov 2, 2020 08:00AM EST

November 02, 2020

REDWOOD CITY, Calif., Nov. 02, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Allakos Inc. (NASDAQ: ALLK), a biotechnology company developing lirentelimab (AK002) for the treatment of eosinophil and mast cell-related diseases, announced a poster presentation at last weeks American College of Gastroenterology2020 Virtual Annual Scientific Meeting.

The presentation details were as follows:

High Discovery Rate of Previously Undiagnosed Patients withTitle: Eosinophilic Gastritis and Duodenitis Using a Systematic Endoscopic Biopsy Protocol: Screening Data Analysis From ENIGMA, a Randomized Controlled TrialPresenter: Kathryn A. Peterson, MD, University of Utah School of Medicine

The ePoster (P2797) is available on the ePoster Hall website. In addition, the poster abstract (S1330) appears in the supplement to the October 2020 issue of the American Journal of Gastroenterology.

About Eosinophilic Gastritis, Eosinophilic Duodenitis, and Eosinophilic Esophagitis

Eosinophilic gastritis, eosinophilic duodenitis (previously referred to as eosinophilic gastroenteritis), and eosinophilic esophagitis are chronic, often severe, inflammatory diseases characterized by the presence of high levels of eosinophils in the stomach, duodenum, or esophagus, respectively. Common symptoms of the diseases include abdominal pain, nausea, diarrhea, bloating, cramping, early satiety, loss of appetite, vomiting, dysphagia, and weight loss. The current estimated prevalence of eosinophilic gastritis and eosinophilic duodenitis inthe United Statesis approximately 50,000 people. The estimated prevalence of eosinophilic esophagitis inthe United Statesis approximately 150,000 people. The Company believes that these diseases may be significantly under-diagnosed, or misdiagnosed, as other gastrointestinal diseases. There are no treatments approved specifically for these diseases. Treatment with systemic steroids can provide symptomatic improvement, but long-term treatment with steroids is generally not possible due to the numerous side effects.Allakoshas received orphan drug designation for lirentelimab in eosinophilic gastritis, eosinophilic gastroenteritis, and eosinophilic esophagitis.

AboutAllakos

Allakosis a clinical stage biotechnology company developing antibodies that target immunomodulatory receptors present on immune effector cells involved in allergic, inflammatory, and proliferative diseases. The Companys lead antibody, lirentelimab (AK002), is being evaluated in a Phase 3 study in eosinophilic gastritis (EG) and/or eosinophilic duodenitis (EoD) and a Phase 2/3 study in eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE). Lirentelimabtargets Siglec-8, an inhibitory receptor selectively expressed on human mast cells and eosinophils. Inappropriately activated eosinophils and mast cells have been identified as key drivers in a number of severe diseases affecting the gastrointestinal tract, eyes, skin, lungs and other organs. Lirentelimab has been tested in multiple clinical studies. In these studies, lirentelimab eliminated blood and tissue eosinophils, inhibited mast cells and improved disease symptoms in patients with EG and/or EoD, EoE, mast cell gastrointestinal disease, severe allergic conjunctivitis, chronic urticaria and indolent systemic mastocytosis.For more information, please visit the Company's website at www.allakos.com.

Source: Allakos Inc.

Investor Contact:Adam Tomasi, President and COOir@allakos.com

Media Contact:Denise Powelldenise@redhousecomms.com