 --Dermatological indication characterized by chronic, intensely itchy nodules; mast cell activation believed to play an important role in amplifying chronic itch and neuroinflammation-- --Potential to expand future CDX-0159 development beyond chronic urticarias to chronic pruritic diseases and other significant indications driven by itch and neuroinflammation-- HAMPTON, N.J., Feb. 22, 2021 GLOBE NEWSWIRE -- Celldex Therapeutics, Inc. Nasdaq:CLDX today announced that the Company will expand clinical development of CDX-0159 into prurigo nodularis PN, a chronic skin disease characterized by the development of hard, intensely itchy pruritic nodules on the skin. Mast cells through their interactions with sensory neurons and other immune cells are believed to play an important role in amplifying chronic itch and neuroinflammation, both of which are a hallmark of PN. CDX-0159 is a humanized monoclonal antibody developed by Celldex that binds the KIT receptor with high specificity and potently inhibits its activity. The KIT receptor tyrosine kinase is expressed in a variety of cells, including mast cells, which mediate inflammatory responses such as hypersensitivity and allergic reactions. 