Merck’s anti-TL1A drug shows promising Phase 2b results in hidradenitis suppurativa

Merck reported Phase 2b results for tulisokibart, its investigational anti-TL1A antibody, in people with moderate-to-severe hidradenitis suppurativa (HS).

At week 16, HiSCR50 responses were 72% with the high dose (480 mg every two weeks) and 64% with the medium dose (480 mg every four weeks), versus 35% with placebo. The low-dose group had a 52% response in an exploratory analysis.

HiSCR75 responses were also higher numerically than placebo:
41% (high dose), 40% (medium), and 29% (low), versus 15%. Quality-of-life scores improved most in the high-dose group.

Adverse events were reported in 42.9%–52.4% of tulisokibart recipients and 40.9% of placebo recipients. Serious adverse events were uncommon and broadly similar across groups.

These are mid-stage results from a 16-week study. Tulisokibart remains investigational; the findings will help guide Merck’s next-stage development plans.