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Arcutis Announces Enrollment of First Patient in Phase 1/2b Study of ARQ-252 in Patients with Chronic Hand Eczema
ARQ-252 is a Potent Topical Small Molecule Inhibitor of JAK1High Selectivity for JAK1 over JAK2JAK Inhibition a Biologically Validated Target for Treatment of
About this update from Arcutis Biotherapeutics, Inc.
[{"type":"text","content":"ARQ-252 is a Potent Topical Small Molecule Inhibitor of JAK1High Selectivity for JAK1 over JAK2JAK Inhibition a Biologically Validated Target for Treatment of Hand Eczema WESTLAKE VILLAGE, Calif., April 21, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Arcutis Biotherapeutics, Inc. (Nasdaq: ARQT), a late-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on developing and commercializing treatments for unmet needs in immune-mediated dermatological diseases and conditions, or immuno-dermatology, today announced that it has enrolled the first patient in Phase 1/2b study of ARQ-252, a potent and highly selective topical small molecule inhibitor of janus kinase type 1 (JAK1), in adult patients with chronic hand eczema.\n “Hand eczema is one of the most common skin diseases, affecting approximately 8 million Americans, and currently there are no FDA-approved therapies for this affliction,” said Howard Welgus, M.D., Arcutis’ Chief Medical Officer. “We are delighted to begin enrollment in this Phase 1/2b study of ARQ-252, our topical JAK1 inhibitor, in adult patients with chronic hand eczema. JAK inhibition has been shown to treat a range of inflammatory diseases including hand eczema, and we believe that, due to its demonstrated potency and high selectivity for JAK1 over JAK2, ARQ-252 has the potential to treat hand eczema without causing the adverse effects that may be associated with other less selective JAK inhibitors.” The Phase 1 portion of the study will assess the safety, tolerability and pharmacokinetics of once daily application of ARQ-252 cream 0.3% to both hands for two weeks in six subjects with chronic hand eczema. The Phase 2b portion of the study will assess the safety and efficacy of ARQ-252 cream 0.1% once daily and ARQ-252 cream 0.3% once daily and twice daily versus vehicle applied once daily and twice daily for 12 weeks to patients with chronic hand eczema. The Company expects to begin the Phase 2b portion of the study in the second half of 2020, and expects topline data in the second half of 2021. About Hand EczemaHand eczema is a common, predominantly inflammatory, skin disease. It is the most common skin disease affecting the hands, with prevalence estimated at up to 2.5% of the population. Hand eczema is characterized variously by redness, fluid filled blisters or bumps, scaling, cracking, itching and pain occurring on the hands, especially t...