Celldex data question the role of mast cells in EOE

Eliminating mast cells — believed to be one of the drivers of eosinophilic esophagitis — may not be a viable therapeutic strategy for the inflammatory disease, according to Celldex.

Celldex Therapeutics Inc. (NASDAQ:CLDX) reported that its c-Kit inhibitor barzolvolimab met the primary endpoint of reducing intra-epithelial mast cell count at 12 weeks in a Phase II trial to treat eosinophilic esophagitis (EOE). However, the company is dropping the program because it failed to alter EOE symptoms or endoscopic assessment of the disease during the period...