inflammatory dermatosis

Dose ordered and robust HiSCRs were rapidly demonstrated with about a third of patients achieving HiSCR100, or resolution of abscesses and nodules, by week 16 and through week 32 Deep and consistent HiSCR responses were observed for placebo patients switching to active treatment Marked reductions in draining tunnels and skin pain also contributed to clinically meaningful improvements in quality of life Potential for differentiation was demonstrated with both high clinical responses as well as a favorable safety profile consistent with the IL-17A class and previous izokibep experience LOS ANGELES, March 11, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- ACELYRIN, INC. (Nasdaq: SLRN), a late-stage clinical biopharma company focused on accelerating the development and delivery of transformative medicines in immunology, today announced long-term data from a Phase 2b clinical trial of izokibep in hidradenitis suppurativa (HS). These data demonstrated no evidence of increased safety liability with longer-term treatment and increased duration of therapy was associated with further clinical improvements over time. Patients who switched from placebo to izokibep at week 16 achieved a similar speed and magnitude of response as those who began treatment with izokibep at baseline for HiSCRs, draining tunnels, skin pain and Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI). High orders of HiSCR were achieved with the majority of patients achieving HiSCR75 and about a third achieving HiSCR100 by week 16 and through 32 weeks. These results are from an open label extension with all subjects through week 32. Additional information can be found at ACELYRIN.com. Further data from this trial will be presented at future scientific meetings. “The magnitude and depth of responses for signs and symptoms of Hidradenitis Suppurativa in this long-term study are consistent with izokibep’s mechanism of action. These results are corroborated by the appreciable clinical responses observed in the placebo cross-over cohort, which demonstrate rapid, HiSCR response,” said Kim Papp, MD, PhD, President and Director of Research, Probity Medical Research, Inc. “We believe that these consistent and robust results in HS point to the future potential for izokibep to deliver differentiated clinical benefits for patients.” “It’s heartening to see the exciting results from this longer term follow up across all of the important manifestations of this debilitating disease, despite the initial primary endpoint of this study not meeting statistical significance,” said Shao-Lee Lin, MD, PhD, Founder and CEO of ACELYRIN. “Across indications, we have observed clinically meaningful and potentially differentiated benefit from izokibep. We have consistently seen responses in high order efficacy measures such as HiSCR100 in HS and ACR70 and PASI100 in PsA, that move patients toward disease resolution. This reinforces our enthusiasm for developing izokibep as an important potential new medicine for patients.” Izokibep was well-tolerated with a favorable safety profile consistent with previous experience and the IL-17A class. Potential for differentiation was demonstrated with higher clinical responses achieved earlier than reported by other IL-17A agents and the IL-17A&F agents without evidence to date for increased risk of infection, especially fungal or suicidal ideation and behavior, in a patient population predisposed to infection and clinical depression. “The pain and discomfort that people living with HS experience on a daily basis is extremely debilitating,” said Falk Bechara, MD, Clinical Professor in the Department of Dermatology at the Ruhr-University Bochum. “These data are impressive, showing izokibep dose ordered, fast speed of onset across endpoints. The consistency and magnitude of responses in resolution of abscesses and nodules, reduction in draining tunnels, and improvement in pain, impact overall quality of life and suggest that izokibep could be a significant therapeutic for HS, with a positive benefit risk in addressing an unmet need.” Topline data from an ongoing phase 3 trial in HS is expected by the end of 2024. A confirmatory phase 3 trial of approximately 400 patients is planned to address guidance on size of safety database given the FDA no longer considers moderate-to-severe HS an orphan disease. About the Phase 2b Hidradenitis Suppurativa clinical trialThe Phase 2b clinical trial (NCT05355805) is a global, multi center, randomized double-blind, placebo-controlled, trial evaluating the safety and efficacy of izokibep dosed 160 mg every week (QW) or every two weeks (Q2W) versus placebo. At week 16, patients who received placebo were randomized to either the weekly or every two week active treatment arm and all patients were assessed through week 32. The objective of the study was to determine the effect of izokibep versus placebo on various measures of clinical impact and determine the appropriate dose(s) for further clinical development in hidradenitis suppurativa. For more information about the Phase 2b HS clinical trial, please visit www.clinicaltrials.gov. About Hidradenitis SuppurativaHidradenitis Suppurativa (HS) is a chronic Inflammatory skin disease causing scarring, abscesses, malodor and pain. HS typically occurs in areas with high concentrations of sweat glands and is typically accompanied by pain, malodor, drainage, and disfigurement that contribute to disability and a devastating impact on quality of life. Patients with HS miss a greater number of days of work and have increased disability compared to the average population. In 2019, there were an estimated 317,000 HS patients in the U.S., of which 50-60% were moderate-to-severe HS patients. About IzokibepIzokibep is a small protein therapeutic designed to inhibit IL-17A with high potency through tight binding affinity, the potential for robust tissue penetration due to its small molecular size, about one-tenth the size of a monoclonal antibody, and an albumin binding domain that extends half-life. Clinical trial data supports the hypothesis that these unique characteristics of izokibep may provide clinically meaningful and differentiated benefits for patients, including resolution of key manifestations of disease. Izokibep is being evaluated in multiple late-stage trials in moderate-to-severe hidradenitis suppurativa (HS), psoriatic arthritis (PsA), and uveitis, with plans to initiate an additional Phase 3 program in axial spondyloarthritis (AxSpA). About ACELYRIN, INC.ACELYRIN, INC. (Nasdaq: SLRN) is a Los Angeles area-based late-stage clinical biopharma company – with additional operations in the San Francisco Bay area – focused on providing patients life-changing new treatment options by identifying, acquiring, and accelerating the development and commercialization of transformative medicines. For more information about ACELYRIN, visit us at www.acelyrin.com or follow us on LinkedIn and X. Forward Looking StatementsThis press release contains forward-looking statements including, but not limited to, statements related to the overall advancement of ACELYRIN’s programs and ability to accelerate the development and delivery of transformative medicines; anticipated development activities including the planned initiation of a clinical program in AxSpA; the therapeutic potential of ACELYRIN’s product candidates including its ability to offer clinically meaningful, differentiated benefits for patients that may include resolution of key manifestations of disease and limit safety liability; and other statements that are not historical fact. These forward-looking statements are based on ACELYRIN’s current plans, objectives and projections, and are inherently subject to risks and uncertainties that may cause ACELYRIN’s actual results to materially differ from those anticipated in such forward-looking statements. Such risks and uncertainties include, without limitation, those associated with the successful completion of development and regulatory activities with respect to ACELYRIN’s product candidates and other risks and uncertainties affecting ACELYRIN including those described from time to time under the caption “Risk Factors” and elsewhere in ACELYRIN’s current and future reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including its Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2023. Forward-looking statements contained in this press release are made as of this date, and ACELYRIN undertakes no duty to update such information except as required under applicable law. ACELYRIN, INC. Contact:investors@acelyrin.commedia@acelyrin.com

Pictured: Novartis' logo outside its building in San Diego, California/iStock, JHVEPhoto Novartis’ investigational BTK inhibitor remibrutinib may also hold promise for hidradenitis suppurativa, potentially opening another therapeutic area for the candidate beyond its lead indication, according to several media reports. Over the weekend, at the American Academy of Dermatology annual meeting, Novartis revealed early Phase IIb data from 66 patients who had been treated with either 25 mg or 100 mg of remibrutinib, which was dosed twice-daily, according to Fierce Biotech. The study’s primary endpoint was a 50% decrease in abscesses and inflammatory nodules, along with no increase in draining tunnels compared with baseline. At 16 weeks, around 73% of patients treated with the 25-mg dose responded to remibrutinib, while the higher dose level was slightly less effective at 49%. By comparison, 34.7% of those in the placebo group reached the primary outcome, according to Endpoints News. Remibrutinib also outperformed placebo at clearing 50%, 70% and 90% of abscesses and inflammatory nodules, respectively, reported Fierce Biotech. Around 36% of patients in the lower-dose group saw 90% clearance, compared to only 8% of placebo counterparts. In terms of safety, the mid-stage study flagged five cases of grade three and four adverse events in the remibrutinib group and four grade three toxicities in the placebo arm. One patient given the 25-mg remibrutinib dose was found to have heightened levels of liver enzymes, which could be suggestive of liver damage, though this was ultimately deemed unrelated to the study drug. Designed to be orally available, remibrutinib is a highly selective and covalent inhibitor of the Bruton’s tyrosine kinase (BTK) protein, which is central to B-cell development and the production of antibodies and cytokines. Remibrutinib’s lead indication is chronic spontaneous urticaria, an inflammatory skin disease characterized by itchy hives and swelling. In August 2023, Novartis released results from two Phase III studies demonstrating that remibrutinib can significantly improve weekly urticaria activity score through 12 weeks of follow-up. Novartis is planning to make regulatory filings for remibrutinib in this indication within the year. During its fourth-quarter and full-year 2023 financial report in January 2024, the company named rumibrutinib as one of its key milestones this year that will help it meet its growth target. If approved, remibrutinib could help the company shore up any revenue losses that will come with the loss of Xolair’s patent protections, some of which are set to expire this year. In addition to chronic spontaneous urticaria, Novartis is also assessing the potential of remibrutinib in other immune-mediated conditions including chronic inducible urticaria, multiple sclerosis, food allergies and hidradenitis suppurativa. Tristan Manalac is an independent science writer based in Metro Manila, Philippines. Reach out to him on LinkedIn or email him at tristan@tristanmanalac.com or tristan.manalac@biospace.com.

WILMINGTON, Del.--( BUSINESS WIRE )--Incyte (Nasdaq:INCY) today announced results from a Phase 2 study evaluating the efficacy and safety of povorcitinib (INCB54707), an oral JAK1 inhibitor, in adult patients with prurigo nodularis (PN). These data were presented as a late-breaking oral presentation (Session: S050 – Late-Breaking Research: Session 2) at the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) Annual Meeting, held from March 8-12, 2024, in San Diego. The study met its primary endpoint with a ≥4-point improvement in itch Numerical Rating Scale (NRS4) score achieved by significantly more patients who received povorcitinib across all dosing groups (36.1% [P<0.01], 44.4% [P<0.001], 54.1% [P<0.0001] for 15, 45, 75 mg, respectively) than those who received placebo (8.1%) at Week 16. Median times to itch NRS4 were 58, 35 and 17 days for patients who received 15, 45 and 75 mg of povorcitinib, respectively, and was not estimable for the placebo arm. “PN is a condition that can cause itchy bumps on the skin called nodules, which appear after excessive scratching. Despite the severity of the disease and the significant impact it can have on a patient’s day-to-day life, there remains a significant need for effective treatments,” said Kurt Brown, M.D., Vice President and povorcitinib Global Program Head, Incyte. “These Phase 2 results, particularly the demonstrated improvement in itch resolution after just four weeks of treatment, are promising for patients around the world living with this disease. We are excited to be expanding research on povorcitinib into this new potential indication.” The secondary endpoints of the study were also met. At Week 16, 13.9%, 30.6% and 48.6% of patients who received 15, 45 and 75 mg of povorcitinib, respectively, achieved an Investigator’s Global Assessment Treatment Success (IGA-TS) score of 0 or 1 with a ≥2-grade improvement from baseline, versus 5.4% of patients who received placebo. Further, 8.3%, 22.2% and 35.1% of patients who received 15, 45 and 75 mg of povorcitinib, respectively, achieved both itch NRS4 and IGA-TS at Week 16, versus 2.5% of patients who received placebo. Povorcitinib was generally well-tolerated, and the safety profile was consistent with previously reported data. The most common treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs) among patients who received povorcitinib were headache (11.1%), fatigue (9.3%) and nasopharyngitis (7.4%). Grade ≥3 TEAEs and serious TEAEs occurred in four (3.7%) and nine (8.3%) povorcitinib-treated patients, respectively, and discontinuations due to AEs were infrequent (povorcitinib, n=5 [4.6%]; placebo, n=1 [2.7%]). “PN can often be difficult to treat due to the uncontrollable itching and scratching, which can multiply the nodules that appear on a patient’s skin,” said Dr. Martin Metz, Professor of Dermatology and Allergy, Charité. “Breaking the itch-scratch cycle is imperative when treating patients with PN, and I’m encouraged by these results illustrating improvement in itch and also skin clearance by Week 16 which shows promise for povorcitinib as a potential novel treatment option for these patients.” More information regarding the AAD Annual Meeting 2024 can be found at https://www.aad.org/member/meetings-education/am24 . About Prurigo Nodularis Prurigo nodularis (PN) is a chronic inflammatory skin disease characterized by intense itch and thickened red bumps on the arms, legs and trunk. 1 Due to the result of persistent, intense scratching and rubbing of the skin, PN results in itchy bumps on the skin called “nodules”. 2 PN appears to be more common in older individuals, and the painful bumps and constant itch can have a substantial impact on a patient’s sleep and overall quality of life. 1 About the Phase 2 Study (NCT05061693) This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled Phase 2 clinical trial is designed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of povorcitinib (INCB54707) in adult patients with prurigo nodularis (PN), over 16 weeks, followed by a 24-week extension. The study consists of 146 adult patients (age ≥ 18 years) diagnosed with PN who have had inadequate response or are intolerant to prior PN therapy. The primary outcome measure of the study is proportion of participants achieving ≥ 4-point improvement in itch Numerical Rating Scale (NRS) score over 16 weeks. The secondary outcome measures include proportion of participants achieving Investigator's Global Assessment Treatment Success (IGA-TS) at Week 16, the proportion of patients achieving both IGA-TS and a ≥ 4-point improvement from baseline in itch NRS score assessed up to Week 16 and number of participants experiencing treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs), assessed up to Week 16. For more information about the study, please visit https://classic.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT05061693 . About Povorcitinib (INCB54707) Povorcitinib (INCB54707) is an oral small-molecule JAK1 inhibitor currently in Phase 3 clinical trials for hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) and vitiligo. A Phase 3 trial is being planned for prurigo nodularis (PN). Phase 2 studies of povorcitinib in PN, asthma and chronic spontaneous urticaria are also ongoing. About Incyte Dermatology Incyte’s science-first approach and expertise in immunology has formed the foundation of the company. Today, we are building on this legacy as we discover and develop innovative dermatology treatments to bring solutions to patients in need. Our research and development efforts in dermatology are initially focused on leveraging our knowledge of the JAK-STAT pathway. We are exploring the potential of JAK inhibition for a number of immune-mediated dermatologic conditions with a high unmet medical need, including atopic dermatitis, vitiligo, hidradenitis suppurativa, lichen planus, lichen sclerosus and prurigo nodularis. To learn more, visit the Dermatology section of Incyte.com . About Incyte A global biopharmaceutical company on a mission to Solve On. , Incyte follows the science to find solutions for patients with unmet medical needs. Through the discovery, development and commercialization of proprietary therapeutics, Incyte has established a portfolio of first-in-class medicines for patients and a strong pipeline of products in Oncology and Inflammation & Autoimmunity. Headquartered in Wilmington, Delaware, Incyte has operations in North America, Europe and Asia. For additional information on Incyte, please visit Incyte.com or follow us on social media: LinkedIn , X , Instagram , Facebook , YouTube . Incyte Forward-Looking Statements Except for the historical information set forth herein, the matters set forth in this press release, including statements regarding the presentation of data from Incyte’s clinical development pipeline, whether or when povorcitinib will be approved or commercially available for use in humans anywhere in the world and Incyte’s goal of improving the lives of patients, contain predictions, estimates and other forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are based on our current expectations and are subject to risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially, including unanticipated developments in and risks related to: unanticipated delays; further research and development and the results of clinical trials possibly being unsuccessful or insufficient to meet applicable regulatory standards or warrant continued development; the ability to enroll sufficient numbers of subjects in clinical trials and the ability to enroll subjects in accordance with planned schedules; determinations made by the FDA and regulatory agencies outside of the United States; the efficacy or safety of our products; the acceptance of our products in the marketplace; market competition; unexpected variations in the demand for our products and the products of our collaboration partners; the effects of announced or unexpected price regulation or limitations on reimbursement or coverage for our products; sales, marketing, manufacturing, and distribution requirements, including our ability to successfully commercialize and build commercial infrastructure for newly approved products and any additional new products that become approved; and other risks detailed from time to time in our reports filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, including our quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended December 31, 2023. We disclaim any intent or obligation to update these forward-looking statements. 1 National Organization for Rare Disorders. Prurigo Nodularis. https://rarediseases.org/rarediseases/prurigo-nodularis/ . Accessed on February 7, 2024. 2 Yale Medicine. Prurigo Nodularis. https://www.yalemedicine.org/conditions/prurigo-nodularis-overview . Accessed February 7, 2024.