Health and Healthcare

Dermira's Eczema Treatment Lebrikizumab Breaks Through

Chris Lange

Published: March 18, 2019 10:40 am

Last Updated: January 11, 2020 9:54 am

Dermira Inc. (NASDAQ: DERM) shares more than doubled on Monday after the firm announced midstage results from its eczema study. Specifically, Dermira announced positive results from its Phase 2b dose-ranging study of lebrikizumab in adult patients with moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis.

Overall, each of the three doses of lebrikizumab met the primary endpoint, demonstrating greater improvements in the Eczema Area and Severity Index (EASI) score compared to placebo. The safety profile for lebrikizumab observed in the study was consistent with prior studies.

Some quick background: lebrikizumab is a novel, injectable, humanized monoclonal antibody designed to bind interleukin-13 (IL-13) with high affinity, specifically preventing the formation of the IL-13Rα1/IL-4Rα heterodimer complex, which inhibits downstream signaling. IL-13 is believed to be a central pathogenic mediator that drives multiple aspects of the pathophysiology of atopic dermatitis by promoting type 2 inflammation and mediating its effects on tissue, resulting in skin barrier dysfunction, itch, skin thickening and infection.

Emma Guttman-Yassky, M.D., Ph.D., The Sol and Clara Kest Professor, Vice Chair for Research in the Department of Dermatology, director of the Center of Excellence in Eczema at Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai and a leading study investigator, commented:

These data are compelling and further demonstrate clinically that IL-13 is a key mediator in atopic dermatitis. I have many patients for whom current therapies do not adequately address their needs. These data show that lebrikizumab may offer a targeted, effective and well-tolerated therapeutic approach.

Shares of Dermira were last seen up about 105% at $14.00 on Monday, in a 52-week range of $6.00 to $14.85. The consensus price target is $17.22.