Torqur AG has announced promising interim results from its ongoing Phase 2 clinical trial evaluating bimiralisib gel 2% for the treatment of actinic keratosis (AK). The findings, presented at the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) Annual Meeting in Orlando, Florida, demonstrate significant potential for this novel targeted therapy.
The interim analysis revealed that 60% of patients who completed the initial treatment and follow-up visit exhibited either complete or partial clearance of their AK lesions. Notably, efficacy varied between treatment durations, with 70% of participants in the 4-week treatment group showing significant improvement compared to 50% in the 2-week treatment group, suggesting a dose-response relationship.
Targeting the PI3K/mTOR Pathway in Actinic Keratosis
Recent research has identified the phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway as a significant contributor to AK development. Overactivation of this pathway leads to uncontrolled cell proliferation and survival, making it an attractive target for therapeutic intervention.
Bimiralisib is a selective pan-PI3K/mTOR inhibitor formulated as a topical gel, designed to provide localized inhibition of the pathway while minimizing systemic adverse effects. This approach aims to reduce AK lesion proliferation directly at the site of application.
Clinical Trial Design and Methodology
The ongoing Phase 2 trial (NCT06319794) is a multi-center, randomized, open-label study evaluating bimiralisib gel in patients with AK on the face, scalp, or back of hands. Participants were assigned to one of two treatment arms:
- Arm A: Topical application of bimiralisib gel once daily for 2 weeks
- Arm B: Topical application of bimiralisib gel once daily for 4 weeks
The study includes a screening period of up to 30 days, followed by the treatment phase and a 4-week follow-up period. The primary endpoint is the proportion of participants achieving an Investigator Global Assessment score of 0 or 1, indicating complete or near-complete clearance of AK lesions.
The trial is being conducted at two renowned dermatology centers in Switzerland, led by Prof. Alexander Navarini in Basel and Prof. Olivier Gaide in Lausanne.
Safety and Tolerability Profile
Bimiralisib gel demonstrated a favorable safety profile across both treatment arms. Treatment-related adverse events were primarily mild (Grade 1) and resolved promptly after treatment completion. No serious adverse events were reported, indicating good tolerability for the topical application.
Expert Perspectives on Clinical Significance
Dr. David Fisher, Chair of the Dermatology Department at Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, emphasized the importance of these findings: "Most instances of cutaneous squamous cell carcinomas begin as actinic keratosis. With more than 58 million Americans living with these lesions, new targeted, non-invasive treatments for early-stage growths could help to alleviate the burden of this disease for thousands of patients."
Lead Principal Investigator Dr. Alexander Navarini, Chairman of the Department of Dermatology and Allergy at the University Hospital Basel, added: "The interim results from this Phase 2 trial are highly encouraging, showing strong potential for bimiralisib topical gel (2%) as an effective and well-tolerated treatment for actinic keratosis. These encouraging interim findings further validate the need for effective, targeted therapies addressing the PI3K pathway in actinic keratosis."
Prof. Olivier Gaide, Principal Investigator and Head of the Center of Excellence for Skin Cancer and Melanoma at the Lausanne University Hospital, Switzerland, also commented: "The interim results from this Phase 2 trial indicate promising efficacy and tolerability of bimiralisib topical gel (2%), reinforcing its potential as a valuable targeted therapy for actinic keratosis."
Disease Burden and Unmet Need
Actinic keratosis is the most common pre-cancerous dermatological condition, affecting approximately 58 million Americans annually. These lesions frequently progress to cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma if left untreated, highlighting the importance of effective early interventions.
Current treatment options for AK include cryotherapy, topical medications, photodynamic therapy, and surgical procedures, each with limitations in terms of efficacy, tolerability, or patient compliance. The development of targeted therapies like bimiralisib could address significant unmet needs in AK management.
Future Directions
Dr. Vladimir Cmiljanovic, CEO at Torqur AG, expressed optimism about the findings: "These interim results mark a significant step forward in our commitment to bringing innovative therapeutic options to patients with actinic keratosis. We are highly encouraged by the positive trends observed and remain focused on advancing the study toward the next phase of development."
Full study results are anticipated in June 2025, which will provide more comprehensive data to inform subsequent clinical development phases. The complete interim analysis is currently accessible to AAD conference attendees through the online viewing portal and on-site viewing stations, with public access via the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology supplement expected later this year.
About Torqur AG
Torqur AG is a Swiss biotech company focused on developing novel anti-cancer therapies targeting the metabolic PI3K/mTOR pathway. The company leverages assets and intellectual property acquired from Piqur Therapeutics AG and operates under the auspices of Swiss Rockets AG, driving innovation in oncology and dermatology.
For more information on the trial, interested parties can visit www.clinicaltrials.gov, ID NCT06319794.
