Evommune has dropped its only clinical-stage asset after reviewing data from a phase 2 trial in atopic dermatitis.
The California-based biotech made the decision to discontinue the interleukin 1 receptor-associated kinase 4 (IRAK4) inhibitor dubbed EVO101 after considering the results of the midstage study in adults with mild to moderate atopic dermatitis.
“We executed a robust and well-controlled phase 2a study of EVO101 designed to show significant improvement over standard of care, and this allowed us to make an efficient decision based on the data,” CEO Luis Peña said in the Sept. 27 release.
IRAK4 continues to be a target of interest for pharma. Gilead Sciences handed over $20 million upfront in March to license an IRAK4 degrader from Nurix only a month after the Big Pharma dropped two of the three indications being explored for its IRAK4 inhibitor called GS-5718.
With EVO101 out of the picture, Evommune will “focus its resources on advancing its pipeline of systemically administered product candidates which have multiple milestones expected over the next several years.”
These candidates include EVO756, an MRGPRX2 antagonist being developed for urticaria and interstitial cystitis. Evommune said the candidate has the potential to be a first-in-class oral treatment for “a variety of mast cell mediated disease, as well as diseases involving sensory neuron mediated cutaneous itch.”
With the biotech sharing plans to launch EVO756 into the clinic in early 2024, Maruho has clearly seen potential. The company has licensed the rights to develop and commercialize the asset in Japan for a total of $60 million in combined upfront and potential milestone payments, Evommune added in today’s release.