Merck's experimental skin disease drug succeeds in mid-stage study
MRK•Merck said tulisokibart met the main goal of a mid-stage study, with 72% of patients on the highest dose achieving at least a 50% reduction in skin lesions after 16 weeks, versus 35% on placebo. Safety was comparable between treatment and placebo groups.
1. Study results
Merck said its experimental drug tulisokibart significantly reduced inflammatory skin lesions in patients with hidradenitis suppurativa, also known as acne inversa. About 41% of patients on the highest dose achieved at least a 75% reduction in lesions, compared with 15% on placebo.
2. Drug background
Merck acquired tulisokibart through its $10.8 billion purchase of Prometheus Biosciences in 2023. The drug also succeeded in a late-stage chronic bowel disease study in June and is among the medicines Merck is counting on to help offset the eventual loss of exclusivity on Keytruda later this decade.
3. Market context
RBC Capital analysts had expected 52% to 58% of patients to achieve at least a 50% reduction in lesions. They project the market for hidradenitis suppurativa treatments to exceed $10 billion by 2035.
