Sol-Gel Technologies has reached a critical milestone in developing what could become the first treatment for preventing basal cell carcinomas in patients with Gorlin syndrome, completing patient enrollment for its pivotal Phase 3 trial of SGT-610. The dermatology company announced top-line results are expected in the fourth quarter of 2026, with potential peak revenue exceeding $300 million annually if approved.
Breakthrough Potential for Rare Genetic Disorder
SGT-610 represents a significant advancement for patients with Gorlin syndrome, an autosomal dominant genetic disorder affecting approximately 1 in 27,000-31,000 people in the U.S. The condition is primarily caused by inheritance of one defective copy of the tumor suppressor patched homolog 1 (PTCH1) gene, leading to uncontrolled division of basal cell carcinoma tumor cells.
The investigational therapy is a topically applied patidegib 2% gel that functions as a hedgehog signaling pathway blocker. Patidegib is designed to block the smoothened, frizzle class receptor (SMO) signal, allowing cells to function normally and reducing the production of new tumors. This mechanism addresses the underlying genetic defect where mutations in the PTCH1 gene cause loss of function, release of SMO, and allow BCC tumor cells to divide uncontrollably.
"Our continuous interaction with physicians and patients of Gorlin disease makes us more conscious than before of the debilitating effects of this disease and the urgent need for a therapy that will improve the quality of life for these patients," stated Mori Arkin, Executive Chairman of Sol-Gel.
Pipeline Expansion Beyond Gorlin Syndrome
Sol-Gel's development pipeline extends beyond SGT-610 with SGT-210, a topical erlotinib formulation currently in a vehicle-controlled proof-of-concept Phase 1b clinical trial for Darier disease. The company estimates market potential for this indication between $200 to $300 million, representing another significant unmet medical need.
Patient recruitment for the SGT-210 trial has faced challenges due to circumstances in Israel, pushing expected study completion and top-line results to the fourth quarter of 2025. However, the company anticipates filing for a Phase 2 IND promptly following completion of the current study, pending positive results.
The therapeutic potential of SGT-210 extends beyond its primary indication, with the compound currently being used in compassionate treatment for a pediatric patient suffering from Olmsted disease, a debilitating rare skin disorder with no approved treatment. Sol-Gel also supports requests from leading hospitals for other debilitating skin conditions, suggesting broader therapeutic applications.
Strategic Commercial Repositioning
The company has executed strategic transactions to optimize its commercial portfolio and extend operational runway. Sol-Gel entered into a product purchase agreement with Mayne Pharma Group Limited for the sale and exclusive license of U.S. rights to EPSOLAY and TWYNEO for $16 million total consideration.
The agreement includes $10 million already received during the second quarter of 2025 and $6 million expected in the fourth quarter of 2025. This transaction followed the mutual termination of Sol-Gel's exclusive five-year license agreement with Galderma in the U.S.
TWYNEO, a topical cream containing a fixed-dose combination of tretinoin 0.1% and benzoyl peroxide 3%, represents the first acne treatment combining these widely prescribed ingredients. The formulation uses silica core shell structures to separately micro-encapsulate the active ingredients, preventing benzoyl peroxide from degrading tretinoin.
EPSOLAY utilizes proprietary technology to encapsulate benzoyl peroxide 5% within silica-based microcapsules for treating inflammatory lesions of rosacea in adults. The silica-based shell slowly releases the active ingredient over time to provide tolerable and effective treatment.
Financial Strengthening and Future Outlook
Sol-Gel reported strong financial performance for the second quarter of 2025, with total revenue of $17.2 million compared to $5.4 million in the same period of 2024. The revenue increase primarily reflected the $16 million from the Mayne Pharma agreement and $0.5 million in royalty revenue from Galderma.
Research and development expenses increased to $4.6 million from $2.4 million in the prior year period, primarily due to $1.7 million in additional manufacturing development expenses for SGT-610 and $1.0 million in increased clinical trial expenses. The company reported net income of $11.6 million and earnings of $4.17 per share for the quarter.
As of June 30, 2025, Sol-Gel maintained $24.2 million in total cash resources, including $10.2 million in cash and cash equivalents and $14 million in marketable securities. The company expects these resources to fund operations into the first quarter of 2027.
International expansion opportunities remain promising, with agreements executed in 2024 positioning TWYNEO and EPSOLAY for launch in most new territories beginning in 2027-2028. According to partner forecasts, royalties from ex-U.S. markets are expected to grow to approximately $10 million by 2031.
