AbCellera's Phase 2 hot flash trial beats aggressive upside target, challenging Astellas and Bayer

AbCellera announced that its Phase 2 study of ABCL635, an antibody that blocks the NK3R receptor, met its primary endpoint in postmenopausal women with hot flashes. The trial enrolled 92 participants who experienced an average of about ten moderate or severe hot flashes each day.

By week four, patients receiving ABCL635 reported a mean reduction of 8.8 hot flashes, compared with a 3.5‑flash drop in the placebo group. The placebo‑adjusted difference of 5.3 hot flashes was statistically significant and exceeded the most aggressive upside scenario the company had previously considered.

Chief executive Carl Hansen called the data "beyond even the most aggressive upside scenario" and described ABCL635 as a potential best‑in‑class, non‑hormonal therapy with advantages in efficacy, safety, dosing and convenience. He said the program is now highly de‑risked.

The results position AbCellera to compete with established NK3R antagonists from Astellas and Bayer, potentially reshaping the women’s health market for menopause symptom relief.