Syndax Discontinued Axatilimab for Lung Disease
The company ended the development of axatilimab for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis after a clinical trial failed.
Updated on Oct. 12, 2026 in Asthma
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Syndax Pharmaceuticals has discontinued its development of axatilimab for the treatment of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. The decision followed the failure of the MAXPIRe Phase 2 clinical trial to reach its primary efficacy endpoint.
Why it matters
The drug failed to meet its primary clinical endpoint of annualized forced vital capacity decline, prompting the end of the study. While disappointing for this specific indication, axatilimab maintains its FDA approval for treating chronic graft-versus-host disease.
The MAXPIRe trial enrolled 145 patients at 62 sites across 14 countries, administering a 0.3 mg/kg dosage of axatilimab. Researchers analyzed the 52-week annualized rate of decline in forced vital capacity based on a 26-week data collection period.
The players
Syndax Pharmaceuticals
This clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focuses on developing innovative therapies for patients with cancer and fibrotic diseases.
The details
Trial investigators utilized a linear mixed effects model to analyze forced vital capacity measurements. No new safety signals were observed during the study, and axatilimab demonstrated a safety and tolerability profile comparable to the placebo.
Timeline
Syndax announced the results from the MAXPIRe trial on October 12, 2026.
Results from ongoing trials in cGVHD are expected later in 2026.
Additional results for ongoing cGVHD trials are expected in early 2028.
Health Landscape
The discontinuation of axatilimab for pulmonary fibrosis marks a narrowed focus for the company while it continues its primary regulatory commitment to treating chronic graft-versus-host disease. This outcome highlights the high failure rates associated with repurposing existing biologics for complex fibrotic conditions.
This development does not impact patients currently using axatilimab for its approved indications, such as chronic graft-versus-host disease. Individuals previously participating in the idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis trial should consult their clinical site coordinators regarding their health status.
The takeaway
Clinical trial failures in pulmonary fibrosis emphasize the ongoing difficulty of identifying effective pharmacological interventions for lung tissue scarring. Patients and families affected by similar conditions should discuss current standard-of-care options with their healthcare providers.
Further reading
Learn more about the latest research and clinical developments in Asthma.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Manila times.
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