Incyte has shared positive results for its JAK inhibitor cream, Opzelura (ruxolitinib), in patients with mild-to-moderate hidradenitis suppurativa (HS).

Estimated to affect about 1% of the population in most studied countries, HS is a chronic inflammatory skin condition characterised by painful nodules and abscesses that can lead to irreversible tissue destruction and scarring.

Over-activity of the JAK/STAT signalling pathway is believed to drive inflammation involved in the pathogenesis and progression of HS, Incyte outlined.

The mid-stage of the company’s selective JAK1/JAK2 inhibitor Opzelura met its primary endpoint, demonstrating a significantly greater reduction in abscess and inflammatory nodule (AN) count at week 16 in patients treated with Opzelura cream 1.5%, compared to those who applied the vehicle control.

Additionally, more than 79% of on-treatment patients achieved at least a 50% reduction in AN count, 54.2% achieved a 75% reduction, 20.8% achieved a 90% reduction and 20.8% achieved complete clearance. This is compared to 56.3%, 25%, 12.5% and 12.5%, respectively, in the vehicle control group.

Over 79% of patients receiving Opzelura met the criteria for HS clinical response, which indicates a 50% or greater reduction in AN count without an increase in abscesses or draining fistulas, compared to 50% of patients in the vehicle control group.

Those treated with Opzelura also showed a greater mean reduction in the international HS severity score system at week 16 compared to the vehicle group.

Jim Lee, group vice president, inflammation and autoimmunity at Incyte, said: “[This] data represents an important step in progressing research for HS with the goal of being able to provide patients with an effective option to better manage their condition.”

Opzelura already holds approvals to treat certain patients with non-segmental vitiligo and mild-to-moderate atopic dermatitis.