Merck's Hidradenitis Suppurativa Treatment Shows Promising Results in Mid-Stage Study

Merck's experimental treatment for a chronic skin disease has shown promise in a mid-stage study, potentially offering patients a new option.

The company reported that its drug, tulisokibart, achieved significant results in reducing inflammatory skin lesions in patients with hidradenitis suppurativa (HS), also known as acne inversa. In the study, 72% of patients who received the highest dose of tulisokibart experienced at least a 50% reduction in lesions after 16 weeks.

Merck's acquisition of Prometheus Biosciences in 2023 for $10.8 billion brought tulisokibart into its portfolio. The company is counting on this and other experimental drugs to offset the loss of exclusivity on Keytruda, a cancer immunotherapy, later this decade.