Azitra, Inc. is making significant strides in developing innovative dermatological therapies, with two promising candidates advancing through clinical development for rare and serious skin conditions.
The company's lead candidate, ATR-12, has entered a Phase 1b clinical trial for Netherton syndrome, a rare and potentially fatal skin disorder with no currently approved treatments. The engineered strain of Staphylococcus epidermidis is designed to deliver critical proteins through the skin's stratum corneum. Preclinical data presented at the American Society of Gene and Cell Therapy (ASGCT) 2024 Annual Meeting demonstrated ATR-12's ability to significantly reduce protease activity in skin samples (p<0.01) and achieve superior LEKTI protein delivery compared to conventional topical applications.
Clinical Development Progress
"This is a very exciting time in the growth and evolution of Azitra as we seek to drive shareholder value through development of first-in-class drugs to treat dermatological diseases," said Francisco Salva, CEO of Azitra. The Phase 1b trial, initiated in August 2024, will evaluate multiple safety, tolerability, and efficacy endpoints in adult Netherton syndrome patients. Initial safety data is expected in the first half of 2025, with topline results anticipated by year-end.
Expanding Treatment Pipeline
The company's second candidate, ATR-04, targets EGFR inhibitor-associated dermal toxicity, affecting approximately 150,000 patients annually in the United States - a market opportunity exceeding $1 billion. The FDA has granted both clearance for a first-in-human Phase 1/2 clinical study and Fast Track designation, acknowledging the significant unmet medical need.
Preclinical studies presented at major dermatology conferences demonstrated ATR-04's mechanism of action through inhibition of IL-36g and S. aureus, key drivers of EGFR inhibitor-associated skin rash. The company plans to initiate a multicenter, randomized, controlled Phase 1/2 clinical trial in the first half of 2025.
Financial Position
Azitra strengthened its financial position through public offerings totaling $15.0 million in 2024. The company reported R&D expenses of $4.7 million and G&A expenses of $6.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2024. As of December 31, 2024, cash and cash equivalents stood at $4.6 million, with additional gross proceeds of approximately $2.2 million raised in early 2025.
