Excellergy Presents New Data on Allergic Effector Cell Control

Announces First Subjects Dosed in Phase 1 DISARM Trial for Investigational Allergy Therapy Exl-111

Published on Feb. 27, 2026

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Excellergy, a biotechnology company developing a novel class of allergy therapeutics, announced new preclinical data demonstrating the differentiated profile of its trifunctional allergic Effector Cell Response Inhibitor (ECRI) platform. The data, presented at the 2026 AAAAI Annual Meeting, support the speed and efficacy of Exl-111, which is currently being evaluated in the Phase 1 DISARM trial. Key results show Exl-111 achieved rapid and near-complete removal of receptor-bound IgE on basophils, induced a ~95% reduction in surface receptor (FcεRI) expression, and was well-tolerated in cynomolgus monkeys. Excellergy also announced the first subjects have been dosed in the Phase 1 DISARM trial, marking a major milestone as Exl-111 becomes the first ECRI candidate to enter the clinic.

Why it matters

Effector-cell sensitization is the final common pathway that converts IgE biology into real disease. The data on Exl-111 show it can quickly dissociate receptor-bound IgE, drive near-complete FcεRI downregulation, and sustain suppression of IgE binding, all without triggering effector-cell activation. This could provide rapid and complete control of allergic activation and inflammation beyond what is achievable with current therapies, moving patients from months of 'wait and see' to earlier, more reliable control with fewer breakthrough episodes.

The details

The preclinical pharmacokinetic (PK) and pharmacodynamic (PD) studies in cynomolgus monkeys demonstrated rapid downregulation of the IgE signaling axis, including >99% removal of receptor-bound IgE from basophils, ~95% reduction in basophil FcεRI surface expression, and potent and sustained neutralization of free-IgE. Exl-111 was well-tolerated and induced no activation of allergic effector cells or adverse drug-related observations. In vitro human-donor whole-blood basophil assays further showed rapid dissociation of receptor-bound IgE in less than 24 hours at therapeutically relevant concentrations, without inducing activation.

  • The preclinical PK/PD data were presented at the 2026 AAAAI Annual Meeting.
  • The first cohort of subjects in the Phase 1 DISARM trial was dosed in early February 2026.

The players

Excellergy

A biotechnology company developing a first-in-class portfolio of Effector Cell Response Inhibitors (ECRIs) for the treatment of severe IgE-mediated allergic diseases.

Luke Pennington, Ph.D.

Vice President of Discovery and Co-Founder of Excellergy.

Leonard B. Bacharier, M.D.

Janie Robinson and John Moore Lee Chair in Pediatrics and Professor of Pediatrics, Allergy/Immunology/Pulmonary Medicine at Monroe Carell Jr. Children's Hospital at Vanderbilt University Medical Center.

Phil Brown, M.D., J.D.

Chief Medical Officer of Excellergy.

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What they’re saying

“Effector-cell sensitization is the final common pathway that converts IgE biology into real disease. These data show that Exl-111 can quickly dissociate receptor-bound IgE, drive near-complete FcεRI downregulation and sustain suppression of IgE binding, all without triggering effector-cell activation. Together, these findings support the potential for rapid and complete control of allergic activation and inflammation beyond what is achievable today.”

— Luke Pennington, Ph.D., Vice President of Discovery and Co-Founder of Excellergy

“The data presented by Excellergy at AAAAI represent a compelling mechanistic advance in allergy therapeutics. By dissociating receptor bound IgE and substantially reducing surface FcεRI expression without triggering effector cell activation, Excellergy is addressing the biology that contributes to slower onset, variable efficacy, and persistent nonresponder rates with current therapies.”

— Leonard B. Bacharier, M.D., Janie Robinson and John Moore Lee Chair in Pediatrics and Professor of Pediatrics, Allergy/Immunology/Pulmonary Medicine at Monroe Carell Jr. Children's Hospital at Vanderbilt University Medical Center

“Dosing the first subjects in our Phase 1 DISARM trial marks a major milestone as we advance the first candidate from this new ECRI class of medicines into the clinic. This step brings us closer to a new era in allergy care, where patients can achieve earlier and more effective control, reclaiming their lives from debilitating allergic conditions.”

— Phil Brown, M.D., J.D., Chief Medical Officer of Excellergy

What’s next

The Phase 1 DISARM trial for Exl-111 will enroll approximately 70 healthy participants who have not received prior anti-IgE therapy. The trial is a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, single and multiple ascending dose study.

The takeaway

Excellergy's Exl-111 represents a significant advancement in allergy therapeutics by directly targeting the source of allergic signaling - IgE bound to effector cells. The preclinical data demonstrate Exl-111's potential to provide rapid and complete control of allergic activation and inflammation, addressing limitations of current therapies and offering hope for a new era in allergy care.