Soligenix Reveals Positive Phase 2a Trial Outcomes for Synthetic Hypericin in Treating Mild-to-Moderate Psoriasis

Soligenix, a biopharmaceutical firm, has reported positive preliminary results from its Phase 2a clinical trial of a drug called SGX302, which is designed to treat mild to moderate psoriasis. The study's second cohort saw an intensified treatment approach with a modified light activation protocol, resulting in a higher and faster light dosage compared to the first group.

Throughout the 18-week trial, the drug was well-tolerated with no adverse events reported. Out of the four patients who completed the study, two achieved an "Almost Clear" disease status, as measured by an Investigator Global Assessment score of 1. The Psoriasis Activity and Severity Index (PASI) scores, which gauge treatment effectiveness, dropped by an average of 50% in the second cohort.

The company's Chief Medical Officer, Richard Straube, expressed satisfaction with the results, highlighting the drug's potential to benefit patients with this chronic condition. Christopher J. Schaber, Soligenix's CEO, noted the significance of these findings, as they suggest the drug's effectiveness in treating psoriasis, a disease that affects a large patient population and carries a substantial market value.

SGX302 is a form of photodynamic therapy that uses synthetic hypericin, a compound that, when activated by visible light, prompts T-cell apoptosis, a process that can alleviate psoriasis symptoms. Unlike other phototherapies that use ultraviolet light and pose long-term safety risks, SGX302 utilizes light in the red-yellow spectrum, which penetrates deeper into the skin and could be more effective against thicker psoriatic plaques.

Psoriasis is a widespread condition with a significant impact on patients' quality of life. It is linked to various health issues, including cardiovascular and psychological disorders. The standard treatment involves managing symptoms with topical therapies or systemic treatments, some of which carry the risk of skin cancer.

Soligenix's focus on treating rare diseases extends beyond psoriasis. The company is also developing other therapies, such as HyBryte™ for cutaneous T-cell lymphoma and vaccines for public health threats like ricin toxin and COVID-19. Their development efforts are supported by government grants and contracts.

The ongoing research and development at Soligenix aim to address the unmet medical needs for various diseases, offering hope for improved treatments and better patient outcomes.