variability in patient-reported assessments. Taken together, these results demonstrate the potential ofSNA-120 as a novel topical,non-steroidal treatment for psoriasis. Moving ahead, we plan to pursue a psoriasis indication forSNA-120 with pruritus measured as a secondary endpoint. We expect to start our Phase 3 studies for psoriasis in the second half of 2019.”
Local peripheral nerves in the skin play an important role in the pathogenesis of psoriasis, as the absence of neural input has been shown to lead to plaque clearance. Plaques in psoriasis patients with associated itch have elevated levels of NGF-immunoreactive keratinocytes and TrkA expression in innervating nerve fibers. The NGF/TrkA signaling pathway is important in neurogenic inflammation and keratinocyte hyperproliferation which contribute to psoriatic plaques, as well as itch.
“SNA-120 selectively targets the NGF-TrkA signaling pathway,” said Paul F. Lizzul, MD, PhD, Chief Medical Officer of Sienna Biopharmaceuticals. “In our second Phase 2b study, we enrolled psoriasis patients with at least moderate itch, which may be a proxy for elevated NGF/TrkA activation. We believe, based on our evolving understanding of the importance of neurogenic inflammation in psoriasis, that enriching the patient population in this study and specifically targeting the NGF-TrkA signaling pathway within the plaque contributed to the observed effects ofSNA-120, on both PASI 75 and composite IGA.”
“These are promising results for an innovative,non-steroidal, topical treatment for the large majority of psoriasis patients who havemild-to-moderate disease but are not candidates for systemic therapies,” said Alan Menter, Chair of dermatology at Baylor Scott & White, Dallas, Principle Faculty at Texas A&M University Health Science Center, and a clinical professor of dermatology at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical School. “Given the safety profile observed in this Phase 2 study,SNA-120 could also potentially address the unmet need for treating sensitive areas such as the face and skin folds. If these results are replicated in Phase 3 studies, this type of innovation could be of significant interest to physicians and patients withmild-to-moderate psoriasis.”
SNA-125 Phase 1/2 Study in Atopic Dermatitis
Sienna also announced results from an exploratory Phase 1/2 study of its investigational new chemical entitySNA-125, a JAK3/TrkA inhibitor being evaluated as afirst-in-class topically administered medication to treat atopic dermatitis. JAK3 inhibition blocks the signaling of key cytokines, resulting in reduced severity of certain autoimmune and inflammatory diseases.
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