Safety and Efficacy of Atuzabrutinib Topical Gel in Patients with Mild-to-Moderate Atopic Dermatitis: Findings from Phase 2a Trial

This phase 2a study of atuzabrutinib (PRN473/SAR444727), a Bruton tyrosine kinase inhibitor, comprised of a double-blind placebo-controlled treatment period and an open-label uncontrolled treatment period and evaluated safety and efficacy of atuzabrutinib 5% gel vs placebo (in double-blind period) in patients with mild-to-moderate atopic. dermatitis (AD). Patients aged 18–70 years diagnosed with mild-to-moderate AD (N=39) for at least 6 months were included in the study. During the double-blinded Period (Days 1–14), two target lesions with a difference ≤1 point in total sign score (TSS) were randomized 1:1 to atuzabrutinib or matching placebo twice daily. During open-label period (Days 15–42), patients continued to treat the assigned areas and other AD-affected lesions (except scalp, palms, soles and genitals) with atuzabrutinib BID. The objective is to evaluate the safety, tolerability, PK and preliminary efficacy of atuzabrutinib in patients with mild to moderate AD. RNA sequencing analysis was performed to understand the target immune cell expression in lesional skin biopsies versus normal skin and the effect of atuzabrutinib.