Realm Therapeutics doses first patient in phase 2 study of PR022 to treat atopic dermatitis

The trial is being conducted in the United States and top line data is expected in Q3 2018.

The Phase 2 study is a randomized, double-blind, vehicle-controlled, multicenter, parallel-group study assessing the safety and efficacy of multiple doses of PR022 in approximately 120 adult patients with mild-to-moderate atopic dermatitis.

Multiple endpoints will be explored, including EASI1 and IGA2, as well as additional assessments of pruritus and quality of life.

"We are extremely pleased to have initiated our first Phase 2 study, which represents a significant milestone for Realm as we continue to execute on our strategy," said Alex Martin, Chief Executive Officer of Realm.

"Recently published peer reviewed research has demonstrated PR022's ability to prevent the development of atopic dermatitis-like lesions, reduce existing lesions and associated scratching, and reduce the inflammatory response. PR022 could offer an important alternative to patients suffering from atopic dermatitis and we are very excited about the potential of this new therapy."

Eczema Area and Severity Index (EASI) is an investigator-assessed tool used to measure the extent (area) and severity of atopic eczema.

 Investigator Global Assessment (IGA), is an investigator-assessed instrument measuring severity of atopic dermatitis on a 5 grade scale.

Atopic dermatitis, a serious form of eczema, is a chronic, relapsing, inflammatory disease characterised by itchy, inflamed skin, which poses a significant burden on patients' quality of life and on the overall health care system.  

Patients with atopic dermatitis have impaired function of their skin barrier, and this, combined with skin damage as a result of the intense itching and scratching associated with the disease, makes them at risk for secondary infections due to colonisation with pathogenic bacteria (particularly Staphylococcus aureus) and changes in the skin microbiome.