Acelyrin, Inc. has announced positive results from its global Phase 3 clinical trial of izokibep in patients with moderate-to-severe hidradenitis suppurativa (HS). The data, presented as a late-breaking oral presentation at the 2024 European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology (EADV) meeting in Amsterdam, indicate that izokibep achieved statistically significant and clinically meaningful responses across multiple efficacy endpoints.
The trial's success could pave the way for regulatory approval of izokibep as a novel treatment for HS, a chronic and debilitating inflammatory skin condition. The study's findings highlight the potential of izokibep to address the unmet medical needs of individuals suffering from this disease.
Key Findings from the Phase 3 Trial
The Phase 3 study evaluated the efficacy and safety of izokibep, a novel IL-17A inhibitor, in patients with moderate-to-severe HS. According to Shephard (Shep) Mpofu, M.D., Chief Medical Officer of ACELYRIN, the trial demonstrated significant improvements in higher order responses such as HiSCR90 and HiSCR100 by week 12. These results suggest that izokibep could provide a substantial benefit to patients, potentially leading to higher rates of skin clearance.
Kim Papp, M.D., Ph.D., President and Director of Research, Probity Medical Research, Inc. presented the data at EADV 2024.
About Izokibep
Izokibep is a small protein therapeutic designed to inhibit IL-17A with high potency. Its unique structure allows for tight binding affinity, robust tissue penetration due to its small molecular size (approximately one-tenth the size of a monoclonal antibody), and an albumin-binding domain that extends its half-life. While Acelyrin has discontinued internal development of izokibep in HS and psoriatic arthritis (PsA), it remains a significant asset with potential applications in other immunological conditions, including noninfectious uveitis.
Hidradenitis Suppurativa: An Unmet Need
Hidradenitis suppurativa is a chronic, inflammatory skin disease characterized by painful nodules, abscesses, and draining tunnels, primarily affecting areas such as the armpits, groin, and buttocks. The condition can significantly impact a patient's quality of life, causing pain, discomfort, and social stigma. Current treatment options are limited, and there is a need for more effective therapies that can provide sustained relief and improve patient outcomes.
ACELYRIN's Focus
ACELYRIN, INC. (Nasdaq: SLRN) is a biopharmaceutical company focused on identifying, acquiring, and accelerating the development and commercialization of transformative medicines. The company's lead program, lonigutamab, is being investigated for the treatment of thyroid eye disease. While ACELYRIN has shifted its focus away from izokibep in HS and PsA, the positive Phase 3 results underscore the potential value of this therapeutic in addressing unmet needs in dermatology.
