Presented at the North American Veterinary Dermatology Forum in Indianapolis, the data marks a shift in how veterinarians may treat atopic dermatitis. Unlike lokivetmab, which necessitates monthly injections, the AKS-699 treatment regimen relies on an initial three-dose induction followed by a six-month booster. This approach leverages the animal's own immune system to generate endogenous antibodies against IL-31, the primary cytokine responsible for chronic itching in dogs.

Akston CEO Todd Zion noted that the current standard of care creates a significant treatment burden for pet owners, often leading to compliance issues due to the frequency of clinic visits and recurring costs. By extending the interval between doses to six months or potentially longer, the company aims to simplify management for the 10–15% of the dog population affected by atopic dermatitis. Beyond the dosing frequency, the therapy utilizes a fixed dose, bypassing the need for weight-based calculations common in existing biologics.

The study reported no clinically meaningful adverse findings, with mild injection-site reactions resolving quickly. Following these results, Akston plans to move the investigational drug into trials with client-owned dogs to evaluate its efficacy against naturally occurring disease, supported by the company’s new manufacturing facility in Louisiana.