Dermira stock rises after positive trial for its lebrikizumab dermatitis treatment

Dermira Inc (NASDAQ:DERM) extended its gain Tuesday a day after the biotech reported encouraging results in a mid-stage trial of lebrikizumab, its treatment for moderate to severe atopic dermatitis, a condition that makes a person’s skin red and itchy.

A Phase 2b trial of lebrikizumab met its primary endpoint of demonstrating greater improvements in the Eczema Area and Severity Index (EASI) score. Dermira said all three doses evaluated in the dose-ranging study — 125 milligrams every four weeks, 250mg every four weeks and 250mg every two weeks — met the primary endpoint of showing greater improvement in the EASI index at week 16 compared with a placebo.

Investors sent shares in the Menlo Park, California-based company up 1.8% to $12.84 in Tuesday’s premarket trading after soaring almost 85% Monday.

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The safety profile was consistent with prior studies.

“I have many patients for whom current therapies do not adequately address their needs,” Dr. Emma Guttman-Yassky, a leading study investigator, said in a statement. “These data show that lebrikizumab may offer a targeted, effective and well-tolerated therapeutic approach.” 

Lebrikizumab is a potent inhibitor of interleukin-13, or IL-13, a substance secreted by certain cells that causes type 2 inflammation, leading to itching, skin thickening and infection.

In September 2017, Dermira acquired the exclusive, worldwide rights to develop and commercialize lebrikizumab for atopic dermatitis and other potential indications pursuant to a licensing agreement with Roche.

–This story has been updated to give the latest stock price–

Contact Uttara Choudhury at [email protected]

Follow her on Twitter: @UttaraProactive 

Story by ProactiveInvestors