In an interview with Dermatology Times, Nitin Joshi, PhD, CEO and co-founder of CAGE Bio Inc., discussed the company's progress in developing CGB-500, a novel treatment for atopic dermatitis. Utilizing an ionic liquid formulation of 1% tofacitinib, developed in collaboration with the University of California, Santa Barbara, Los Alamos National Labs, and Northern Arizona University, CAGE Bio aims to efficiently deliver drugs across the skin barrier.
Phase 2 clinical trial results for CGB-500 have been promising, with significant improvements in Eczema Area Severity Index (EASI) scores observed. The active group saw an average reduction of 98% in lesional EASI scores compared to 28% in the vehicle group at 8 weeks. Additionally, 95% of patients in the active group achieved clear or almost clear ratings, versus 24% in the vehicle group. The treatment was well-tolerated, with no significant adverse events reported.
Joshi highlighted the efficiency of ionic liquids in drug delivery, stating, "Our ionic liquids are superior, allowing us to deliver not just tiny, small drugs but even large molecules efficiently." He also expressed optimism about the potential of CGB-500 to achieve biologic-level efficacy with the safety of a topical treatment.
Looking ahead, CAGE Bio plans to explore the application of CGB-500 in treating other conditions such as alopecia areata and vitiligo. Joshi emphasized the importance of localized treatments in dermatology, aiming to provide highly effective topical products that could reduce the need for systemic drugs in certain cases.
Joshi concluded by expressing the company's commitment to transforming the treatment landscape for atopic dermatitis and other dermatological conditions, with a focus on delivering effective, localized treatments at a reasonable cost.
