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
Daiichi Sankyo Appoints Markus Kosch to Lead Europe Business as Part of New Commercialization Organization24.8.2026 10:00:00 CEST | Press release
Daiichi Sankyo (TSE: 4568) today announced the appointment of Markus Kosch, MD, as Head of Europe Business, effective April 1, 2027. In this role, he will lead the company's European business within the new globally integrated Commercialization Unit and serve as General Manager of Daiichi Sankyo Europe GmbH, with legal responsibility for the company in Europe. The appointment reflects the next phase of growth of Daiichi Sankyo under its Five-Year Business Plan and the establishment of a new Commercialization Unit. Within this new structure, Markus Kosch will bring together the Oncology and Specialty businesses in Europe under one integrated leadership model to help bring innovative medicines to more patients across the region. For the past five years, Markus Kosch has led the Daiichi Sankyo Oncology Business Division in Europe and Canada, overseeing a period of significant growth and preparing the organization for an increasingly expanding oncology portfolio. Prior to joining Daiichi S
European Commission Approves DAYBU® (trofinetide) as the First and Only Treatment for Neurobehavioral Symptoms of Rett Syndrome in the European Union24.8.2026 09:01:00 CEST | Press release
Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc. (Nasdaq: ACAD) today announced that the European Commission (EC) has granted marketing authorization for DAYBU (trofinetide) for the treatment of neurobehavioral symptoms of Rett syndrome in adults and pediatric patients aged five years and older, making it the first and only treatment approved for Rett syndrome in the European Union (EU). “The approval of DAYBU marks a significant milestone for the Rett syndrome community in the EU and advances our mission to bring this innovative treatment to patients and families who have long faced a profound unmet medical need,” said Catherine Owen Adams, Acadia’s Chief Executive Officer. “For people living with Rett syndrome, a devastating rare neurodevelopmental disorder, there have been no approved treatment options in the EU. We are proud to make DAYBU available and look forward to supporting patients, caregivers, and healthcare providers gain access to treatment." The DAYBU marketing authorization in the EU is prim
ORZEYFUL (oveporexton) Approved in Japan as the First and Only Medicine to Treat the Underlying Cause of Narcolepsy Type 124.8.2026 08:36:00 CEST | Press release
Discovered by Takeda in Japan, ORZEYFUL has the Potential to Redefine Care Beyond Individual Symptom Management for Adults Living with Narcolepsy Type 1 (NT1) Landmark Phase 3 Studies Demonstrated Significant and Meaningful Improvements Across the Full Range of NT1 Symptoms Evaluated in Clinical Trials Compared to Placebo Milestone Marks Third Major Regulatory Approval Secured for ORZEYFUL Around the World Takeda (TOKYO:4502/NYSE:TAK) announced that the Japanese Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (MHLW) approved the use of ORZEYFUL (oveporexton) for the treatment of narcolepsy type 1 (NT1, narcolepsy with cataplexy) in adults. ORZEYFUL is a first-in-class oral orexin receptor 2 (OX2R) agonist and the only medicine indicated in Japan to treat the disease holistically rather than individual symptoms. The discovery of this new class of medicine originated in Takeda's laboratories in Japan. Takeda is proceeding with launch preparations and expects to make ORZEYFUL available as quickly
Fasset Hits $1B Valuation as SBI Group Leads $68M Series C to Scale AI-Powered Stablecoin Neobanking24.8.2026 08:03:00 CEST | Press release
Round led by SBI Group follows $51 million Series B raise in May 2026, marking ascent as one of the fastest-growing neobanking platforms. Capital will expand Own Network and deepen AI across stablecoin settlement, tokenization, and corridor banking. Fasset now processes more than $40 billion in annualized transaction volume, serving 3 million+ wallets and more than 1,000 enterprises across 125 countries. Fasset, the AI-powered stablecoin neobanking platform, today announced it has raised $68 million in Series C funding at a $1 billion valuation. The financing was led by SBI Group and follows Fasset’s $51 million Series B earlier this year, which brought Speedinvest onto the cap table alongside a group of strategic investors. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260823503947/en/ Mohammad Raafi Hossain, Co-Founder and CEO, Fasset The new capital will support the expansion of Own Network, Fasset’s regulated financial
Zanders Expands DACH Region with New Office in Vienna, Austria24.8.2026 07:11:00 CEST | Press release
Zanders, the global treasury, risk, and technology consultancy, today announced a significant expansion of its DACH region with the opening of a new office in Vienna. The move builds on Zanders' continued growth across Germany, Austria, and Switzerland, and marks another step in the firm's strategy of deepening its presence in the markets where client demand for specialized treasury, risk, and corporate finance advisory is growing fastest. DACH has been one of Zanders' priority regions for several years, with the firm steadily expanding its team and client base across Germany and Switzerland. Austria represents a natural next step in that growth: in conversations with clients in the market, Zanders has seen growing interest in treasury transformation and financing support, as companies work through interest rate volatility, refinancing needs, and a broader shift toward more digitized, centralized treasury operations. The new Vienna office allows Zanders to be closer to clients' operati
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
