Merck's Tulisokibart Shines Bright in Phase 2b Trial for HS
Merck announced positive results from its Phase 2b trial of tulisokibart in patients with moderate to severe hidradenitis suppurativa (HS).
The study met its primary endpoint, demonstrating superiority over placebo for both high-dose and medium-dose regimens at week 16. Specifically, 72% of patients in the high-dose group and 64% in the medium-dose group achieved HiSCR50.
Key secondary endpoints also showed improvement, with 41% of high-dose patients and 40% of medium-dose patients achieving HiSCR75 compared to 15% in the placebo group. Patient quality of life also improved numerically for both dose groups, with mean Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) reductions from baseline.
Merck's tulisokibart targets tumor necrosis factor-like cytokine 1A (TL1A), downregulating Th1, Th2, and Th17 activation. This potential disrupts the immuno-fibrotic loop in immune-mediated inflammatory diseases, including HS.