Pfizer reports positive results from late-stage trial of etrasimod for ulcerative colitis

Pfizer has released data from the ELEVATE UC 52 study, a Phase 3 clinical trial evaluating the efficacy and safety of etrasimod in patients with moderately to severely active ulcerative colitis. The results show that patients receiving the once-daily oral treatment achieved statistically significant rates of clinical remission at both the 12-week and 52-week marks compared to those on a placebo.

The trial enrolled 433 participants who had previously been intolerant to or failed conventional, biologic, or JAK inhibitor therapies. According to the company, the study utilized a treat-through design, allowing patients to remain on the therapy for the full year regardless of their initial response status.

Michael Corbo, Chief Development Officer for Inflammation & Immunology at Pfizer, stated that the data confirm the drug's potential for inducing and maintaining remission. Pfizer plans to use these findings, alongside data from its other trials, to support regulatory filings, which are expected to commence later this year. Etrasimod was acquired by Pfizer through its purchase of Arena Pharmaceuticals.