Ascletis reports positive results for psoriasis drug candidate
Ascletis Pharma Inc. has announced positive results from a clinical study for its drug candidate ASC50. The short-term study focused on treating plaque psoriasis with an orally administered medication.
HONG KONG – Ascletis Pharma Inc. has announced positive results from a 28-day proof-of-concept clinical trial in the U.S. for ASC50, a drug candidate for the treatment of mild-to-moderate plaque psoriasis. The study was randomized, double-blind, and placebo-controlled.
During the trial, patients received a 200 mg dose of ASC50 once daily for 28 days. Key findings indicated a 48.9% placebo-adjusted reduction in the Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) score following treatment. Furthermore, the drug's half-life supported potential once-weekly oral dosing, as the placebo-adjusted PASI score reduction remained significant up to 15 days after the final dose.
The safety and tolerability of the drug were also assessed. According to the study, ASC50 was found to be safe and well-tolerated, with all observed adverse events being mild and transient. No concerning elevations in liver enzymes or other significant safety issues were detected.
ASC50 is an internally developed small molecule IL-17A inhibitor designed by Ascletis to offer an alternative to injectable biologic therapies. The company states that the results support ASC50's potential to be a first-in-class and best-in-class oral small molecule IL-17A inhibitor, which could improve the patient treatment experience.