LEO Pharma initiates a Phase 2b dose-ranging clinical trial with an oral H4R antagonist in adult patients with moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis (AD)

Histamine is a key mediator of allergic inflammation.[i] Unlike histamine receptors 1-3, H4R plays a role in itch response and triggers the migration of cells in the immune system toward inflammatory and allergic sites throughout the body.[ii]^,[iii],[iv] As an oral H4R antagonist, LEO 152020 has the potential to prevent histamine-induced initiation of inflammatory and itch mechanisms via the histamine 4 receptor.[v]

The primary objective for the randomized, triple-blind, placebo-controlled, multi-center Phase 2b dose-ranging clinical trial is to evaluate the efficacy of LEO 152020 compared with placebo in the treatment of adults with moderate-to-severe AD.[vi]The primary endpoint of the trial is change in Eczema Area and Severity Index (EASI) from baseline to Week 16.^vi Additional exploratory endpoints will evaluate patient-reported symptoms such as itch and sleeplessness.^vi The number of treatment-emergent adverse events per patient from baseline to Week 16 defines the key safety endpoint of the trial.^vi    

"Managing a skin disease such as atopic dermatitis with oral treatments is challenging because of limited available options for chronic use,” said Prof. Dr. med. Thomas Werfel, Dept. Dermatology and Allergy, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany, and lead investigator of the Phase 2b clinical trial. “This trial will evaluate whether an alternative oral option can potentially offer a new choice for adult patients with moderate-to-severe AD.”

AD is a chronic, inflammatory, skin disease characterized by intense itch and eczematous lesions.[vii] AD is the result of skin barrier dysfunction and immune dysregulation, leading to chronic inflammation.[viii]

“We have been encouraged by results on itch in pre-clinical studies with this investigational medicine for patients who prefer oral treatment options,” said Dr. Jörg Möller, Executive Vice President, Global Research & Development, LEO Pharma. “We are committed to developing innovative therapies that may help improve the lives of patients who need a wider range of treatment options and routes of administration for skin diseases.”

[i]   Jemima EA, et al. Mol Immunol. 2014;62:19-28.

[ii]   Thurmond RL. Frontiers Pharmacol. 2015;6:65.

[iii]Schaper‐Gerhardt K, et al. Br J Pharmacol. 2020;177:490-502.

[iv]Damaj BB, et al. J Immunol. 2007;179:7907-15.

[v] de Esch IJ et al. Trends Pharmacol Sci 2005;26:462-469.

[vi] ClinicalTrials.Gov: https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT05117060 (Accessed November 2021).

[vii]Weidinger S, et al. Lancet. 2016; 387:1109-1122.

[viii]                              Boguniewicz M, et al. Immunol Rev. 2011;242(1):233-46.