Merck's anti‑TL1A antibody tulisokibart scores a win in hidradenitis suppurativa but fails in a rare lung disease (SSc‑ILD), August 2026

Merck's investigational anti-TL1A monoclonal antibody, tulisokibart (MK-7240), has recently scored a win in hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) while failing in systemic sclerosis–associated interstitial lung disease (SSc-ILD), a rare lung condition.

In a Phase 2b trial for moderate‑to‑severe hidradenitis suppurativa (NCT06956235), tulisokibart met both its primary endpoint—defined as ≥50% reduction in abscess and nodule count—and key secondary endpoints, including improvements in quality of life and tolerability.

The HS trial results were presented as part of Merck’s mid‑2026 pipeline update; the company plans to share detailed data at an upcoming medical meeting but has not yet published full numerical results publicly.

In contrast, in the Phase 2 ATHENA‑SSc‑ILD trial (NCT05270668) in systemic sclerosis–associated interstitial lung disease, tulisokibart missed its primary endpoint, leading Merck to discontinue further development of the antibody in this rare lung disease (SSc‑ILD).

Tulisokibart remains in advanced development for other immune‑mediated inflammatory diseases, including ulcerative colitis (Phase 3 ATLAS‑UC) and Crohn’s disease (Phase 3 ARES‑CD), where it has already shown positive Phase 3 and Phase 2 efficacy signals.