Jasper Therapeutics, Inc. announced, as part of an overall portfolio prioritization, that the Company will focus on the development of its lead product candidate, briquilimab (formerly known as JSP191), in chronic diseases and stem cell transplant for rare diseases. This portfolio includes a new program on chronic urticaria, along with the Company's existing programs for lower-risk myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS), sickle cell disease, Fanconi anemia and severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID). Based on preclinical and clinical studies showing inhibition of c-Kit signaling, depletion of mast cells in skin and lung and extended pharmacokinetics of subcutaneous dosing, the Company has prioritized rapidly starting a clinical study in severe chronic urticaria. In the meantime, while the Company does not have any near-term plans to initiate a Phase 3 study in AML/MDS, the Company will continue to work with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, the transplant community and potential partners to explore development pathways and ensure briquilimab remains ready for a pivotal Phase 3 study in AML/MDS stem cell transplant.

Briquilimab's potential has been consistently validated across five indications: SCID, acute myeloid leukemia, MDS, Fanconi anemia and, most recently, sickle cell disease. The Company expects new supportive data to be presented at the upcoming 2023 Tandem Meetings: Transplantation & Cellular Therapy Meetings of ASTCT and CIBMTR that will further reinforce the broad opportunity for briquilimab. Clinical studies with briquilimab and investigational agents from other companies suggest that targeting c-Kit has strong therapeutic potential for chronic mast cell diseases such as urticaria and allergic asthma.

This therapeutic approach has also shown promise in lower-risk MDS.