Incyte Advances in Phase II, Aims for Dupixent in Treating Skin Condition

Incyte's oral JAK1 inhibitor, povorictinib, has shown promising results in Phase II trials for prurigo nodularis (PN), a chronic skin condition marked by severe itching and nodular lesions. The biopharmaceutical company revealed that the drug significantly reduced itching in a considerable portion of the trial participants, with 36% to 54% experiencing a four-point or greater improvement on the itch Numerical Rating Scale (NRS4) by week 16. This is notably higher than the 8% improvement observed in the placebo group. Notably, patients in the highest dosage group reached the NRS4 within a median time of 17 days.

In addition to its primary endpoint, the drug also demonstrated efficacy in achieving Investigator’s Global Assessment Treatment Success scores, indicating a significant improvement from baseline. Povorictinib was found to be well-tolerated with minimal adverse events leading to discontinuations.

PN is a condition where the intense itching exacerbates the nodular lesions, making itch relief a critical aspect of treatment. Incyte's drug is currently undergoing further trials for other indications, including hidradenitis suppurative, vitiligo, asthma, and chronic spontaneous urticaria.

The potential approval of Incyte's oral JAK inhibitor could pose a significant challenge to Sanofi and Regeneron's Dupixent, a blockbuster injectable treatment for PN and other conditions. Dupixent's sales in 2023 were nearly $11.6 billion, highlighting the market potential for effective PN treatments. Incyte's oral formulation offers a convenient once-daily dosing option, which could be a significant advantage over injectable treatments.

Incyte's current market offering includes Opzelura, a JAK inhibitor cream for eczema and nonsegmental vitiligo. The company is optimistic about the prospects of its oral JAK1 inhibitor, which could provide a new treatment option for patients suffering from PN and other conditions.