Acelyrin's stock plummeted after the company announced disappointing topline results from Part B of a Phase 2b trial evaluating izokibep for the treatment of moderate-to-severe Hidradenitis Suppurativa (HS). The trial failed to meet its primary endpoint of HiSCR75 at week 16, raising concerns about the drug's efficacy in this indication.
Hidradenitis Suppurativa (HS) is a chronic, inflammatory skin condition characterized by painful lesions, abscesses, and scarring, primarily affecting areas such as the armpits, groin, and buttocks. The condition significantly impacts patients' quality of life, causing chronic pain, discomfort, and social stigma. Current treatment options are limited, highlighting the unmet need for more effective therapies.
Despite the failure to meet the primary endpoint, Acelyrin reported some positive signals from the trial. According to the company's press release, izokibep demonstrated early HiSCR100 responses, indicating a potential for complete resolution of disease in some patients. Furthermore, the data showed a clear dose-effect relationship, with the 160mg weekly dosing regimen showing more favorable HiSCR responses. No significant safety or tolerability issues were identified during the trial.
"The consistent and early achievement of HiSCR100, along with our prior izokibep experience in Psoriatic Arthritis, continues to demonstrate the potential of izokibep for resolution of disease, especially in difficult to treat tissues," said Shao-Lee Lin, MD, PhD, founder and CEO of ACELYRIN. "These results further support our ongoing evaluations of 160 mg QW dosing in HS, as well as for additional indications, including uveitis and PsA, the largest potential indication for izokibep."
Analysts, however, remain optimistic about Acelyrin's future prospects. Despite the setback in the HS trial, the consensus rating for SLRN stock remains a Strong Buy, with four unanimous Buys. This suggests that analysts believe in the potential of izokibep in other indications and the company's overall pipeline.
Acelyrin is continuing to evaluate the 160 mg QW dosing regimen of izokibep in HS and is also exploring its potential in other indications, including uveitis and Psoriatic Arthritis (PsA). The company believes that izokibep's ability to achieve HiSCR100 responses, particularly in difficult-to-treat tissues, warrants further investigation.
