Merck’s Tulisokibart Meets Phase 2b Primary Endpoint In Hidradenitis Suppurativa, Achieves HiSCR50 of 72% And 64% Vs 35% for Placebo At Week 16
Key takeaways
- Tulisokibart shows strong Phase 2b efficacy in HS, with 72 % HiSCR50 at high dose, outperforming placebo and supporting progression to later‑stage trials.
- High‑dose HiSCR50 72% (n=42)
- Medium‑dose HiSCR50 64% (n=42)
- Placebo HiSCR50 35% (n=44)
What happened
Merck’s investigational drug tulisokibart, an anti‑TL1A monoclonal antibody, hit its primary goal in a Phase 2b study for hidradenitis suppurativa. In the high‑dose arm (480 mg every 2 weeks) 72 % of 42 patients achieved a 50 % clinical response (HiSCR50) at week 16, while the medium‑dose arm (480 mg every 4 weeks) saw a 64 % response in 42 patients. Both rates were significantly higher than the 35 % response in the 44‑patient placebo group, with 37 % and 29 % absolute improvements,…
Why it matters
These are the first positive data for an anti‑TL1A therapy in dermatology, suggesting a new mechanism for treating HS, a chronic skin disease with limited options. The strong HiSCR50 rates, especially at the high dose, indicate robust efficacy that could translate into a marketable drug. The comparable safety profile…
Short-term and longer-term
Short-term. Short‑term traders should note the upcoming EADV presentation where Merck will disclose full data; this could trigger a price move if the results confirm the abstract.
Longer-term. Long‑term investors should view tulisokibart as a potential new revenue driver for Merck’s dermatology portfolio.