Dermira Takes Roche's Lebrikizumab With Best-In-Class Ambitions

Dermira will focus on developing the IL-13 inhibitor in atopic dermatitis, where it sees an opportunity for potential dosing and efficacy benefits. Roche had focused on respiratory disease, with mixed results.

Medical dermatology specialist Dermira Inc. plans to refocus development of the interleukin-13 inhibitor lebrikizumab on the treatment of atopic dermatitis after taking control of the program from Roche. Despite growing competition in the therapy area, Dermira sees an opportunity for lebrikizumab to become a best-in-class agent, with potential efficacy and dosing convenience benefits.

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