Turn Therapeutics has commenced patient dosing in a randomized, double-blind, vehicle-controlled clinical trial evaluating its topical GX-03 formulation for the treatment of moderate-to-severe eczema (atopic dermatitis). The study, which began on July 11 in Dallas, represents the first clinical trial of a topical IL-36 inhibitor and builds on in-vivo confirmation of the formulation's potent immunological inhibition of key eczema-related cytokines.
"Patients with moderate-to-severe eczema often face limited treatment options, from painful or costly injectables to steroids that can cause long-term side effects," said Bradley Burnam, CEO of Turn Therapeutics. "Dosing our first patients in this clinical trial is a milestone in our mission to deliver an easy-to-use, safe, topical therapy that improves patients' quality of life."
Study Design and Endpoints
The phase 1/2 clinical study is designed to support new drug approval and targets enrollment of 114 patients with moderate-to-severe eczema. The trial will include an eight-week treatment course, with the primary efficacy endpoint measuring the change in patients' Eczema Area and Severity Index (EASI) scores from baseline. Secondary endpoints include Investigators Global Assessment (IGA) and Max-Itch assessment scores, providing a comprehensive evaluation of both visible skin symptoms and pruritus-related discomfort.
Top-line results are expected by the end of 2025, potentially positioning GX-03 as a novel therapeutic option for patients requiring alternatives to current systemic or corticosteroid-based therapies.
Mechanism of Action and Cytokine Targeting
GX-03's therapeutic potential lies in its ability to inhibit multiple inflammatory pathways critical to eczema pathophysiology. Earlier studies have demonstrated the formulation's ability to inhibit IL-36 alpha, a cytokine with inflammatory effects recognized as a primary driver of eczema, and IL-36 gamma, a cytokine associated with psoriasis. The formula also shows inhibitory activity against IL-4, another cytokine linked to inflammation.
Notably, GX-03 has shown significant inhibitory activity against IL-31, the cytokine associated with itching, indicating potential for improving patients' comfort and quality of life. IL-31 has emerged as a key target in addressing eczema-related itch, a hallmark symptom that significantly impairs patients' quality of life.
Safety Profile and Previous Applications
The GX-03 formulation, previously used in Turn Therapeutics' advanced wound care product Hexagen, brings an extensive safety history with over 200,000 human uses. The formula has previously been cleared by the U.S. FDA for acute and chronic wound care indications, with the active ingredient having well-characterized antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory characteristics.
This transition from medical device to drug development highlights the company's strategy of repurposing known, safe technologies to address unmet clinical needs in dermatology. Turn Therapeutics is pursuing expanded indications for the formula, including as a drug treatment for both moderate-to-severe eczema and onychomycosis (toenail fungus).
Addressing Unmet Medical Needs
"For years, patients like me have been offered outdated, one-size-fits-all treatments that fail to address the root causes of disease," Burnam said. "This trial is designed to deliver proof of concept toward our goal of successfully and safely treating the source of eczema, rather than simply managing its symptoms."
The eczema and onychomycosis programs represent Turn Therapeutics' first formal development for use as a U.S. drug active ingredient, marking a significant expansion of the company's therapeutic focus beyond wound care applications.
