EDP-978 Shows Strong Preclinical Profile As Enanta Prepares American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology(AAAAI) Presentations

Enanta Pharmaceuticals announced that new preclinical findings for EDP-978, its investigational KIT inhibitor being developed for mast cell–driven Type 2 inflammatory diseases, will be shared at the 2026 American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (AAAAI) Annual Meeting in Philadelphia. The data will be presented through two scientific posters during the Allergic Skin Diseases session on February 27, highlighting the compound’s discovery and biological activity.

One presentation will focus on how researchers identified and optimized EDP-978 as a highly potent and selective KIT inhibitor for mast cell–mediated disorders. The second poster will describe dose-dependent target engagement and a favorable pharmacokinetic profile, suggesting the drug could support once-daily oral dosing in humans, an important feature for chronic inflammatory conditions.

The company emphasized that EDP-978 fits within its broader strategy of building a strong immunology pipeline alongside its antiviral programs. Beyond RSV, Enanta is advancing early-stage candidates aimed at critical drivers of Type 2 immune responses, including KIT, STAT6, and MRGPRX2, with the goal of developing new therapies for allergic and inflammatory diseases.

Enanta also noted its track record in antiviral drug discovery, pointing to glecaprevir, developed by the company and marketed by AbbVie as MAVYRET®/MAVIRET®, as part of one of the world’s leading curative regimens for hepatitis C infection.