Corvus Reports Positive Soquelitinib Interim Data In Atopic Dermatitis Trial

Corvus Pharmaceuticals, Inc., a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company, has shared interim findings from its Phase 1 trial of soquelitinib. This is a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial performed in patients with moderate to severe atopic dermatitis. This study data highlighted a promising safety and efficacy profile for soquelitinib. This supports its potential as a treatment for atopic dermatitis and showcases ITK inhibition as a novel therapeutic mechanism for immune-related diseases.

The data from Cohort 1 involved 16 patients, out of whom 12 were treated with soquelitinib, and four received a placebo,  with follow-ups conducted at 28 and 58 days. Baseline metrics showed comparable severity between the groups, with mean EASI and IGA scores of 20.4 and 3.0 for the soquelitinib group, versus 18.5 and 3.3 for the placebo group. Notably, all patients in the soquelitinib group discontinued topical corticosteroids before enrollment, while one placebo patient continued corticosteroid use. 

Richard A. Miller, M.D., co-founder, president and chief executive officer of Corvus, said, “We are pleased with the early results of our soquelitinib Phase 1 atopic dermatitis clinical trial, which show an attractive potential product profile at the lowest dose we are studying. The data show consistent signs of efficacy, combined with a novel mechanism of action, a convenient oral route of administration and a favourable safety profile.”

He also commented, “This is also supported by an analysis of serum cytokine levels, which show a possible relationship between clinical response and reductions in IL-5, IL-17, IL-31, IL-33 and TSLP, along with a trend for TARC. We believe the data highlights soquelitinib’s potential as a new treatment option for atopic dermatitis and the broader opportunity for ITK inhibition for other immune-related diseases. In addition to blocking the production of multiple inflammatory cytokines, soquelitinib may have persistent direct effects on immune cell function that act to regulate aberrant immune responses. We look forward to completing the Phase 1 trial and initiating other trials with soquelitinib for immune diseases.”

Most participants had avoided topical corticosteroids for at least 27 days prior to starting the trial. Cohort 1 also included a significant proportion of African American participants 50% in the soquelitinib group and 100% in the placebo group. African Americans with atopic dermatitis often face worse prognoses compared to other populations, making these findings particularly relevant for addressing disparities in treatment outcomes.