GALDERMA
18.3.2023 16:01:29 CET | Business Wire | Press release
Galderma, the leading company solely dedicated to advancing the future of dermatology, today premiered the positive phase III results from the OLYMPIA 2 trial evaluating the efficacy, safety, pharmacokinetics and immunogenicity of nemolizumab compared with placebo in adult patients with prurigo nodularis. The results were presented as a late-breaking presentation at the 2023 American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) Annual Meeting by Dr. Shawn Kwatra, Associate Professor of Dermatology at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. Galderma has an extensive presence at the meeting with further updates from its broad portfolio across Therapeutic Dermatology, Dermatological Skincare and Injectable Aesthetics.
The phase III OLYMPIA 2 trial met all primary endpoints, showing nemolizumab monotherapy significantly improved pruritus (itch) and skin lesions compared with placebo in adult patients with moderate to severe prurigo nodularis. Results showed that:
- 56 percent of nemolizumab-treated patients achieved a response in itch intensity, as defined by an at least 4-point improvement in peak-pruritus numerical rating scale (PP-NRS) score, compared to 21 percent in the placebo group (p<0.0001)
- 38 percent of nemolizumab-treated patients reached treatment success in skin lesions, as defined by an investigator’s global assessment (IGA) score of 0 or 1, compared to 11 percent in the placebo group (p<0.0001)
Key secondary endpoints showed rapid onset of action and significant improvements in itch and sleep disturbance (p<0.0001) as early as week 4:
- Over five times as many patients in the nemolizumab group vs placebo achieved significant and clinically meaningful improvement in itch intensity, as defined by a 4-point improvement in PP-NRS - (41.0% for nemolizumab vs 7.7% for placebo p<0.0001)
- Nearly four times as many patients in the nemolizumab group versus placebo achieved significant and clinically meaningful improvement in sleep disturbance as measured by a 4-point improvement in sleep disturbance numerical rating scale (SD-NRS) - (37.2% for nemolizumab vs 9.9% for placebo p<0.0001)
- The safety profile was consistent with the phase II trial results
“OLYMPIA 2 is a key piece of the largest phase III clinical development program ever undertaken in prurigo nodularis to date. On behalf of my co-investigators worldwide, I am honored and proud to present the study results to the scientific community in a late-breaking presentation. The results confirm the potential of this every four weeks injectable monoclonal antibody targeting the IL-31 receptor alpha, with rapidly acting effects on itch and sleep disturbance, and subsequent improvement of skin lesions.”
SHAWN KWATRA, M.D.
ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR OF DERMATOLOGY
JOHN HOPKINS UNIVERSITY
Further commitment to diversity in dermatology announced
Also at the congress, Galderma shared an exciting update on the sponsorship of the Atlas initiative, in a highly anticipated booth session focused on Diversity and Inclusion in Dermatology. The unique educational session explored how to diagnose dermatologic conditions in an array of skin tones, leveraging the renowned book and online gallery ‘Full Spectrum of Dermatology: A Diverse and Inclusive Atlas’, from the George Washington University School of Medicine. The event took place on Friday, March 17 and was hosted by editors of the Atlas, Dr. Adam Friedman and Dr. Misty Eleryan. As part of the Galderma sponsorship, copies of the Atlas book are being distributed throughout the AAD congress. Galderma is also proud to be providing an additional financial grant to pilot a pathway for other healthcare professionals to contribute to the online gallery.
“We are so pleased that we’re able to bring so much powerful new data to this year’s AAD congress. The data premiere from OLYMPIA 2 confirms the potential that nemolizumab is expected to improve outcomes for people with prurigo nodularis, which can have such a profound impact on the lives of those affected. Beyond this, our continued involvement and investment in the Atlas program demonstrates our commitment to address every skin need, with diversity and inclusion at the very heart of that promise.”
BALDO SCASSELLATI SFORZOLINI, M.D., Ph.D.
GLOBAL HEAD OF R&D
GALDERMA
Extensive updates from Galderma’s broad and innovative portfolio through posters and presentation sessions
Galderma is the only pure-play dermatology category leader, with more than 40 years of heritage in dermatology. Its continued commitment to delivering science and innovation across a highly differentiated portfolio is reflected in its extensive presence at AAD. More details on Galderma’s scientific poster presentations can be found here.
About the OLYMPIA 2 trial
OLYMPIA 2 was a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled phase III clinical trial, to assess the efficacy and safety of nemolizumab monotherapy compared with placebo in patients at least 18 years of age with prurigo nodularis after a 16-week treatment period. The trial also assessed pharmacokinetics and immunogenicity of nemolizumab compared to placebo. OLYMPIA 2 included 274 patients with moderate-to-severe prurigo nodularis.
About prurigo nodularis
Prurigo nodularis is a debilitating, chronic skin condition with thick skin nodules covering large body areas and associated intense itch.1,2,3 Prurigo nodularis affects an estimated 72 per 100,000 adults aged 18-64 years in the United States, primarily middle-aged women and disproportionately people of African descent.1,4
About nemolizumab
Nemolizumab is an investigational drug and Galderma has not received approval for any indication in any country. Nemolizumab is a first-in-class investigational monoclonal antibody directed against the IL-31 receptor alpha that blocks signaling from IL-31. IL-31 is a neuroimmune cytokine that is recognized as driving multiple disease mechanisms in both prurigo nodularis and atopic dermatitis. With its unique role in directly stimulating sensory neurons related to itch and contributing to inflammation and barrier dysfunction, IL-31 is the bridge between the immune and nervous systems while also directly acting on structural cells in the skin. Nemolizumab was granted Breakthrough Therapy designation by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in December 2019 for the treatment of pruritus associated with prurigo nodularis, a status reconfirmed in February 2023.
About Galderma
Galderma is the pure-play dermatology category leader, present in approximately 90 countries. We deliver an innovative, science-based portfolio of premium flagship brands and services that span the full spectrum of the fast-growing dermatology market through Injectable Aesthetics, Dermatological Skincare and Therapeutic Dermatology. Since our foundation in 1981, we have dedicated our focus and passion to the human body’s largest organ – the skin – meeting individual consumer and patient needs with superior outcomes in partnership with healthcare professionals. Because we understand that the skin we’re in shapes our lives, we are advancing dermatology for every skin story. Galderma’s portfolio of flagship brands includes Restylane®, Dysport®, Azzalure®, Alluzience® and Sculptra® in Injectable Aesthetics; Soolantra®, Epiduo®, Differin®, Aklief®, Epsolay®, Twyneo®, Oracea®, Metvix®, Benzac® and Loceryl® in Therapeutic Dermatology; and Cetaphil® and Alastin® in Dermo-cosmetics. For more information, visit www.galderma.com.
References:
1 Williams KA, Roh YS, Brown I, et al. Pathophysiology, diagnosis, and pharmacological treatment of prurigo nodularis. Expert Rev Clin Pharmacol. 2021;14(1):67-77. doi:10.1080/17512433.2021.1852080
2 Elmariah S, Kim B, Berger T, et al. Practical approaches for diagnosis and management of prurigo nodularis: United States expert panel consensus. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2021;84(3):747-760. doi:10.1016/j.jaad.2020.07.025
3 Whang KA, Mahadevan V, Bakhshi PR, et al. Prevalence of prurigo nodularis in the United States. J Allergy Clin Immunol Pract. 2020;8(9):3240-3241. doi:10.1016/j.jaip.2020.05.051
4 Huang AH, Canner JK, Khanna R, Kang S, Kwatra SG. Real-world prevalence of prurigo nodularis and burden of associated diseases. J Invest Dermatol. 2020;140(2):480-483.e4. doi:10.1016/j.jid.2019.07.697
To view this piece of content from cts.businesswire.com, please give your consent at the top of this page.
View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230318005017/en/
About Business Wire
Subscribe to releases from Business Wire
Subscribe to all the latest releases from Business Wire by registering your e-mail address below. You can unsubscribe at any time.
Latest releases from Business Wire
Infopro Digital Automotive Highlights Its Industry-Leading Datasets at Automechanika 202626.8.2026 10:02:00 CEST | Press release
Infopro Digital Automotive, leader in data and software for the automotive market, announces its participation in Automechanika 2026, the world’s leading trade fair for the automotive industry. After completing several significant acquisitions over the past years, including Eucon, GiPA, and Aurelis last September, the company will attend this year’s trade show with a consolidated offering, built upon its trusted industry-leading datasets. Infopro Digital Automotive now addresses every automotive vertical from independent workshops to parts, tyres and car manufacturers, through the whole network of aftermarket distribution professionals, thus delivering to them key data and integrated digital solutions to power strategic decisions at every step of the vehicle lifecycle. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260826133342/en/ Infopro Digital Automotive’s unmatched dataset portfolio will be presented at Automechanika 20
NIPPON KINZOKU Establishes Mass Production of Ultra-Thin and Narrow Stainless Steel for Insulin Needles26.8.2026 10:01:00 CEST | Press release
- Addressing the Global Rise in Diabetes - NIPPON KINZOKU CO., LTD. (Headquarters: Minato-ku, Tokyo; President: Yasushi Shimokawa; TOKYO: 5491) is pleased to announce the commencement of mass production for its "Ultra-thin and narrow-width stainless steel" optimized for laser welding in ultra-fine insulin needles. In response to growing global demand, the company has established a stable supply system for these high-quality materials. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260826770424/en/ The scale of the global diabetes crisis is expanding. In line with this trend, the global demand for insulin needles continues to escalate. Furthermore, insulin delivery is evolving toward "painless" experiences that reduce patient burden. Modern designs prioritize minimizing pain and bruising, leading to the widespread adoption of ultra-fine needles. This trend is further supported by the growing popularity of compact, portable pe
VirTus Respiratory Research Supports Development of Apollo Therapeutics’ APL-10456 from Preclinical Proof of Concept to Positive Phase 1 Data26.8.2026 10:00:00 CEST | Press release
VirTus Respiratory Research Ltd, a specialist respiratory contract research organisation (CRO), founded by Imperial College London investigators Professor Sebastian Johnston and Dr Michael Edwards, today highlighted its role in the preclinical development of Apollo Therapeutics’ and Imperial’s APL-10456, following the announcement of positive initial data from the vaccine’s Phase 1 clinical trial. VirTus has worked on the APL-10456 programme for more than five years, conducting more than 20 preclinical studies to support the selection, development and progression of the candidate, testing the cross-species immunogenicity and efficacy. This work included evaluating the efficacy of several vaccine candidates in mouse models of rhinovirus infection, helping to select APL-10456 and establish early proof of concept and generating preclinical evidence that informed its progression into first-in-human clinical development. APL-10456 is a first-in-class, adjuvanted recombinant protein subunit
Xsolla President Chris Hewish Debuts “Durable Advantage” at Gamescom 202626.8.2026 09:00:00 CEST | Press release
Book Draws on Chris Hewish’s Three Decades of Leadership in the Global Games Industry, Grounded in “Renters vs. Owners” Theory and Five-Pillars for Scaling and Succeeding Xsolla, a leading global commerce company, today announced Durable Advantage: Five Pillars of the Modern Game Business, a new book authored by Chris Hewish, President of Xsolla, launching at Gamescom 2026 in Cologne. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260826628682/en/ Graphic: Xsolla Xsolla's integrated strategy brings together global payments, direct-to-consumer commerce, backend infrastructure, and AI-powered development tools into a unified operating model designed to help studios launch, operate, and scale more efficiently. Rather than relying on disconnected commerce, engagement, and backend systems, developers can activate new capabilities through a common platform foundation that reduces complexity, accelerates deployment, and creates a m
David Hagan, Dean and Pegasus Professor at CREOL, The College of Optics and Photonics, Will Serve as Vice President of SPIE26.8.2026 05:00:00 CEST | Press release
Newly elected SPIE board members bring distinct backgrounds to optics and photonics community David Hagan has been elected to serve as the 2027 Vice President of SPIE, the international society for optics and photonics. He will serve as President-Elect in 2028, and as the Society’s President in 2029. The SPIE Board of Directors is influential in the scientific community, establishing policy and strategy and conducting activities of interest to SPIE Members. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260825934622/en/ Top row, from left to right: David Hagan, Jim McNally, Mark Clampin. Bottom row, from left to right: Marla Dowell, Jana Kainerstorfer, Katie Schwertz The 2026 SPIE President, Julie Bentley, professor of optics at the University of Rochester, made the new electees announcement at the Annual General Meeting of the Society on 25 August during SPIE Optics + Photonics. Terms begin on 1 January 2027. In addition to
In our pressroom you can read all our latest releases, find our press contacts, images, documents and other relevant information about us.
Visit our pressroom
